December 15th He Wore Our Wreath

Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Early Wreath Traditions

According to Britannica Encyclopedia, the wreath is an ancient status symbol. Wreaths were made of bay laurel, pine, herbs, and flowers. Each addition to a wreath had a specific meaning as a ritual or cherish symbol.

• Ancient Romans wore crowns of laurel wreaths to denote power

• Roman soldiers were bestowed wreaths of honor for victory in battle.

• In ancient Greece, the cherished prize for a great orator was a wreath.

• Olympic race winners were awarded a wreath.

• Early Germanic cultures used an evergreen circle wreath as a table decoration with candles which was a winter reminder that spring would return and the Earth would once more turn warm.

Christmas wreaths are constructed of evergreens to represent everlasting life brought through Jesus. The circular shape of the wreath represents our eternal God, with no beginning and no end. Therefore the wreath has significant meaning for the season.

From a christian perspective, holly branches, frequently used in making wreathes have significant symbolic meaning. Holly branches have thorns. When used in a wreath it represents the thorns on Jesus' crown when he was crucified. The Bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us.

Lastly, Jesus was the most powerful victorious orator the earth has ever known. His Word conquered our sin and death. He deserves the greatest wreath ever - a majestic crown. Instead at Calvary he wore the wreath you and I deserve, the thorny sinners crown.