The Message Of Holly

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

Ephesians 1:7

Millions of people this Christmas will go to their local garden center in search of the traditional Ilex opaca. Or they might even inquire about the fancier English Ilex aquifolium. If you can’t remember the fancy Latin names, no problem. Just ask for Christmas holly, and you’ll come home with the spiny green leaves and the bright red berries that have adorned wreathes and fireplaces for generations.

Over the centuries, red and green have been used as the two primary colors of Christmas. The shiny red holly berries and the bright green holly leaves are the perfect combination of the two most traditional colors. The small holly berries are thought to have originally reminded Christians of the drops of Christ’s blood caused by the crown of thorns He wore on Calvary. The bright green leaves and all the evergreens used at Christmas speak of the never-ending life that the shedding of Christ’s blood secured for all who believe in Him.

Even the sharp spines on the holly leaves remind us of what Jesus suffered on our behalf.