CHICAGO, IL—While the Bible does not explicitly catalog Christmas as a holiday or list dedicated Nativity flowers, centuries of theological reflection and cultural tradition have interwoven specific plants and botanicals with the profound spiritual meaning of Christ’s birth. Florists and theologians recognize that Scripture is rich with floral and botanical imagery—often used to communicate complex themes such as purity, hope, sacrifice, and divine promise—which later inspired devotional associations during the Christian observance of Christmas.
This synthesis of biblical symbolism and seasonal tradition allows common seasonal decor to carry multilayered significance, bridging ancient texts with modern holiday celebration. Here, we examine eight essential biblical and symbolic plants that anchor the meaning of Christmas within the broader narrative of redemption.
Lilies: Emblems of Purity and Divine Provision
The lily, notably referenced in Matthew 6:28–29, is a powerful scriptural symbol of purity and dependence on God. Jesus used the lilies of the field as a living lesson on faith, highlighting God’s generous provision that surpasses human effort.
This symbolism led to the lily’s strong association with the Nativity, often appearing in Christian art to represent the moral purity and humility of Mary, the mother of Jesus. At Christmas, the white lily underscores the holiness and miraculous nature of Christ’s arrival, rooted in divine initiative.
The Rose: Prophecy and the Mystic Bloom
Featured in prophecy like Isaiah 35:1 and poetic literature like the Song of Solomon, the rose primarily symbolizes beauty, restoration, and messianic hope. Isaiah’s vision of the barren desert blooming “as the rose” was interpreted as a sign of the age of salvation ushered in by Christ.
The metaphor of a rose blooming in winter solidified its Christian connection, representing new life entering a cold or fallen world. Medieval tradition elevated Jesus as the “mystic rose” unexpectedly blooming through Mary. Roses, both red and white, therefore connect the joy of the Nativity with the promise of Christ’s future sacrifice.
Evergreens: Symbols of Eternal Life
Unlike deciduous flora, evergreen plants—including pines, firs, and spruces—maintain their vitality through winter, making them natural emblems of endurance, faithfulness, and eternal life. Biblical passages, such as Psalm 1:3, compare a righteous person to a flourishing, perennial tree.
The use of evergreen branches, wreaths, and eventually the Christmas tree in Christian homes symbolizes the eternal life made available through Jesus. They offer a tangible reminder that even in spiritual ‘winter,’ God’s promises remain alive and unchanging.
Iconic Gifts and Ancient Resins
The famous gifts presented by the Magi—frankincense and myrrh—are essential botanical gifts that reinforce the theological purpose of Christ’s birth.
- Frankincense, used in temple worship, symbolizes holiness, prayer, and divine presence.
- Myrrh, used for anointing and burial, foreshadows Christ’s suffering, mortality, and ultimate sacrifice.
These resins dramatically emphasize that the infant in the manger is both fully divine and destined to complete a redemptive mission.
Other Significant Scriptural Plants
Several other plants and their symbolic meanings enrich the Christmas narrative, either through direct mention or traditional association:
- Poinsettia: Though not mentioned in Scripture, this plant’s symbolic tradition, originating in Mexico, aligns with biblical principles. Its red coloration often signifies Christ’s blood and sacrifice, while its star-shaped leaves evoke the Star of Bethlehem.
- Almond Blossoms: This early-blooming plant symbolizes awakening and divine watchfulness (Jeremiah 1:11–12), mirroring Christ’s arrival in God’s perfect, attentive timing.
- Hyssop: Historically used in cleansing rites (Psalm 51:7) and for applying sacrificial blood during the Passover (Exodus 12:22), hyssop connects the seemingly distant events of Christmas and the Crucifixion, emphasizing redemption as the full purpose of Christ’s coming.
- Holly: Symbolically associated with Christmas, the sharp leaves are often linked to the crown of thorns, while the red berries symbolize Christ’s blood, connecting the evergreen quality with eternal life achieved through sacrifice.
These plants offer more than mere decoration; they serve as visual aids and meditative tools, anchoring the Christmas celebration in rich scriptural heritage and centuries of Christian thought regarding the true nature and identity of the Savior.