An Order for a Community Christmas Tree Lighting


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Order for Lighting a
Community Christmas Tree

by The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The following order was developed while I was serving a parish in Walton, IN, a small town of about 1,000 population. In mid-Dec., there would always be a gathering in the center of town for hot chili and hot dogs cooked in a large outdoor caldron, the lighting of the town Christmas tree, and the arrival of Santa Claus with horse and wagon to take the kids for rides. Although this order was used in this small town setting, it could easily be used in any size community setting. The numbered paragraphs are designed to be read by several ministers and/or individuals from the community.

1. We gather today to light the symbol of Christ's birth in our town, for the Christmas tree is the symbol of life and light.

It was by a tree that our first parents, Adam and Eve, brought sin into the world, which was the reason for Christ's birth. It was on the wood of a tree that Christ died to set us free from sin and death. The Tree of Life awaits us in paradise, to which we will be welcomed by the Christ who was born in this holy season.

Our Christmas tree is a humble part of nature, growing into majesty from simple beginnings. In like manner, our Savior came in the humble form of a baby who was laid in a lowly manger, and who now sits in majesty and glory at the right hand of God.

The branches of our Christmas tree are ever green and full of life, reminding us of the eternal God whose eternal love for us was shown by the birth of our Savior. As our days grow shorter and the darkness of night crowds in upon us, the lights upon our Christmas tree remind us that Christ is the light of the world and a light for the darkness of our lives.

In our homes, our trees are decorated with bulbs and fruit, like the Tree of Life in paradise with its twelve kinds of fruit. Angels are often found around Christmas trees just as angels were present at Christ's birth. A star tops our tree, guiding our way to the Christ Child as it guided the way of the magi of old. Gifts are laid at the foot of the tree as the magi laid gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh at the feet of the Holy Child.

2. Although our Christmas Tree tradition dates only from the 16th century, there are many legends about it's origin. A legend from the 10th century tells of the coldness of the night of Jesus' birth, with snow and ice scattered all around. And yet all the trees of the forest bloomed and bore fruit on that holy night.

3. A German folk tale tells of the family of a forester who were about to bed down on a quiet Christmas Eve when a knock was heard at the door. Standing outside was a little child, shivering from hunger and cold. The family welcomed him into their home and warmed him with a fire, good food and loving hospitality. Even little Hans gave up his bed so that the stranger-child could have a place to sleep. The next morning, everyone was awakened by a chorus of angels singing carols in the heavens. To their amazement, the family discovered that it was the Christ Child who they had entertained and who now stood before them transfigured. He took a twig from a fir tree and planted it in the ground. Then, before he disappeared, he said to them, "I have gladly received your gifts, and here is mine to you. This tree will never fail to bear its fruit at Christmas, and you shall always have abundance."

4. The prophet Isaiah writes: "A shoot shall come forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest on him.... In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwellings shall be glorious." Isaiah 11:1-2a,10

5. John writes: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:1-5, 14a

6. Let us pray. Almighty God, as we light up this tree of life and light, we ask you to light up our hearts and our lives also. As we receive the great gift of your Son in the manger at Bethlehem, and the love that you still send us through him, may we become beacons of his light and love in all the world; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

7. Lighting of the Christmas Tree

All sing:

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your leaves are never changing;
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your leaves are never changing;
They all are green when summer's here,
They all are green in winter's drear.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your leaves are never changing;

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure do you bring us;
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure do you bring us;
For ev'ry year the Christmas tree
Brings to us all both joy and glee
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Much pleasure do you bring us;

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your candles shine so brightly!
Each green branch holds its tiny light;
There's so much splendor for the sight.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, Your candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How strong and true God made you!
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How strong and true God made you!
You bid us all to faithful be,
To trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, How strong and true God made you!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la la.
'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la la.
While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Sing we joyous all together, Fa la la la la la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la la la.

We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.
We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.