Holly, Ivy, and Easter

Why are these fauna the focus of this 18th century English carol? Evergreen plants have been attached to Christmas decor since Roman times- sometimes pagan, sometimes Christian. But why pull on that imagery?

That's something only the author can answer; and since the carol showed up anonymously on a broadside (a one page pamphlet) in 1710, that's something of a dead horse. But the lyrics do a lot of telling. Four of its verses list reasons that Jesus was born into the world... each through a link to the evergreen plants.

The holly blossom as white as a lily flower... white as in the purity of Jesus and his life.
The holly berry, as red as blood... the blood Jesus shed for our sins.
The holly prickle, as sharp as any thorn.... the crown of thorns that Jesus wore up to Golgotha.

These parallels between the beginning of Jesus' life and His endgame. None of us know how we're going to die, only that it's going to happen someday. Jesus knew though; God knew how painful His Son's last days on earth were going to be. Even with His resurrection, there would be tears and sadness, and God would watch His Son die. He bore this knowledge from the moment Mary conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Still, Jesus' birth was celebrated; it was a jubilee among the angels as the Prince of Peace entered the world! Why else are there so many Christmas songs that ring out over the season? Because for the first time, there was hope... hope for a bridge to penetrate our separation from God. And Jesus willingly came to earth to be that bridge.

The Holly and the Ivy carol reminds me that Christmas and Easter are linked in their joy. The only difference is, that Christmas is where the joy started!

'For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given...

and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and peace, 

there will be no end.'

~Isaiah 9:6-7~

Merry Christmas!