The Tree of Life is a fundamental archetype of many world myths, traditions and religions. It represents the interdependence and connectedness of life between human, animal, plant and spirit. A reflection of the abundant blessings which God bestows upon His Creation regardless of creed or nationality. For God transcends All. This particular rendition here is Celtic in presentation, as that is my own heritage. And many symbols corresponding to such have been incorporated into the piece. Yet even so, it remains universal for that is the nature of God.
Some theologians have referred to the Tree as a symbolic description of Christ, spiritually feeding his flock. For we have those verses in the Bible where Christ states, “I am the vine”… “I am the bread of life…”. In fact, the Tree is known in Celtic as Crann Beithadh, or The Feeding Tree.
The branches reach high into the sky, even as its roots sink deep into the ground. Thus, emphasizing the connection between heaven and earth, mind and body. Continual nourishment for the soul in God’s gift of eternal life.
As for me, I believe there is a Tree of Life inside each one of us. We feed and nurture it with our words and deeds. In turn it offers a sense of wholeness and stability, that we may walk the uncertain path of life with a sure and steady step. The troubles of today cannot touch or stunt its growth, for the Tree is spiritually sustained by “streams of living water,” as Christ has said.
And so, time moves on and we are celebrating Christmas once again. Very little has changed in this past year. The world still remains torn by violence and strife, which continues its spread. We are deeply divided by threats and fears of vengeance and retribution.
War, and the cruelty this engenders, escalates. There seems little – if any – justice or accountability. An ‘us vs. them’ mentality prevails as the norm. That sense of ‘togetherness’ we once knew has been lost in the fray.
Amidst the coloured lights, and bright tinsel, the lists of gifts and guests – we lose sight that Jesus himself was born into such a world. Rome was a harsh taskmaster with little regard for anything beyond its own wealth and power, not unlike many leaders today. Prophets spoke of a Messiah, one who would come to lead the people out of the darkness and suffering of their time. And so, He did. But not with steel and sword, bullets or missiles.
Instead, He led them into the Kingdom of God that is here on earth… and the life eternal, as symbolized by this Tree. It has a multitude of expressions, and knows differing interpretations. Yet one thing remains the same; the love of God for his people and the blessings which He bestows upon them, even in a world of violence and fear… and also because of such. For the Tree of Life we carry within is a constant… a reminder that The Word walks among us now. He is the Light which guides our path, to find the way forward into a better and brighter day; a more just and peace-filled time.
This tiny Babe of whom the angels sing, changed the world and its people forever… and for good. This is what we celebrate at Christmas. The Joy of Hope which is again renewed, and hangs like the Bright Star it is upon our own Tree of Life.
Note: to the left of the quilt the Ogham, or Tree Alphabet is depicted. In the Celtic lunar calendar there are 13 months, each represented by a tree with characteristics related to that particular time of year.
On the right, is the corresponding Runic Alphabet.
Above is The Awen, symbol of God’s creative nature. It’s three strokes reminiscent of the Triune
aspect of the Divine.
2 thoughts on “The Tree of Life”
Hi Bev, I love this post. It is one I think everyone should read and reflect the message of it. Love you, Jim
Thanks for the kind words Jim.
Love back – Bev