I know some of you have already put up your tree, but if you haven’t, this is a simple blessing for when you do. This is a time to refocus on the meaning & tradition behind the Christmas Tree. We did it at my in-laws house, and it has the characteristics of an activity I love–simple, requires no additional supplies and, most importantly, meaningful.
Gather around the unlight Christmas tree. Begin your service by singing “O Christmas Tree” or any favorite carol or hymn.
Reader 1: “Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a spring from the lofty top of cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topsmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.”
Reader 2: “On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind.” (Ezek 17:22-23
Prayer
Creator God, your own Son is the tender shoot that grew to become a majestic cedar. As birds find safety in giant brances, so we find shelter and comfort in your Son. we thank you for sending us Jesus, our Tree of Life. Amen.
Blessing
Lord God, bless this tree in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. May it remind us thoughout this holy season that Jesus is our Tree of Life.
(Turn on the tree lights). As we turn on the lights of our tree, we are reminded that Jesus , our Tree of Life, is also the Light of our world. Amen.
