Day 6 – Holly & The Ivy
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 9:22
Holly, ivy and other greenery such as mistletoe were originally used in non-Christian events to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth.
When Christianity spread and grew in Western Europe, some people wanted to keep the greenery, to give it Christian meanings but also to ban the use of it to decorate homes.
England and Germany were the main countries to keep the use of the greenery as decorations. So, what does holly and ivy have to do with Christmas?
Holly
The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when He was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the pain and agony He suffered.
Ivy
Ivy has to cling to something to support itself as it grows. This reminds us that we need to cling to God for support in our lives.
In Germany, it is traditional that Ivy is only used outside and a piece tied to the outside of a Church was supposed to protect it from lightning!
Seeing the holly and ivy reminds me to be thankful for Christ’s shed blood for my salvation and for His ongoing support in my life day by day while I am still here on this earth. This is why I celebrate Christmas. I want others to enjoy His reason for coming – born to die for my sins! He was born to die for your sins, too.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7