"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You stand in verdant beauty! Your boughs are green in summer's glow, And do not fade in winter's snow. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, You stand in verdant beauty!"

This old German carol has been running through my head over the last days. We put up our Christmas tree over the weekend and we have declared it the most beautiful tree we've had in many years. It is such a wonderful tradition, bringing this 'ever-greenness' into the center of the house. As I look out the window this morning, the subzero temperatures are having their way with the roads, the windows of neighbor's houses, the breath of those who have ventured out. But inside, a green tree stands as an ancient symbol that winter will not overtake us.

The tradition of bringing an evergreen tree into homes predates the Christian celebration of Christmas by hundred of years. It was a way for the ancients to be reminded that the dark days of winter would not reign forever but spring and rebirth would dawn again. It is the symbol of the presence of life in the death-like sleep of winter. Here in Minnesota where temperatures have been deadly these last few days it is a good reminder. After what have become increasingly long and arduous commutes, to be able to walk into your home and turn on the lights of the evergreen Christmas Tree, is nothing short of miraculous. Sitting beside the tree, adorned with the ornaments that have been collected over the years, grounds me in something deeper than the annoyance of winter driving. This act connects me with the countless people over time who have brought the simple beauty of Creation inside to nurture them through the darkest days of the year.

Here in the northern hemisphere we are living in the darkest days of the year as we approach the Winter Solstice this weekend. I watched this morning as the young children on our block, bundled up against the elements, stood like little colorful sticks waiting the arrival of their bus. Their usual playing was halted by the freezing temperatures making them statues. They waited in the dark and many will come home in the dark.

But, hopefully, for those who celebrate Christmas, they will open the door and begin the process of removing the layers of protective down and thinsulate. Their wet boots will be abandoned by the door, as all good Minnesota children know to do, and someone may hand them a warm cup of steaming cocoa. They will walk in to where the evergreen tree sits. Like generations of children before them they will sit down and let the scent of evergreen-life lull them into warmth while the lights make sparkling flecks in their young eyes. 

These are the acts that get us through the darkness and the frigid days. They are healing acts that continue to bless us through time. So, go ahead and indulge yourself in the simplicity of it all. It has worked for hundreds of years and will hopefully continue for many centuries to come.