O Christmas Tree

As part of a five-year tradition, the School Sisters of Notre Dame again designed a tree in the Christmas Tree Room of Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, Belleville, IL. Each tree showcases the room’s 2012 theme: Treasures of Our Community.  The School Sister of Notre Dame tree is arrayed in ornaments inspired by natural treasures of local landscapes.

Animals, flowers and trees celebrate diversity and the unity of all creation. The evergreen branches hold quilted bouquets of dogwood and tulips; garlands of foxes, squirrels, and deer. Origami fish are found side-by-side with browned nuts and frosted pine cones. The ornaments illustrate the abundant richness of our natural landscape. Finches, blue birds and cardinals make a home among branches laden with gifts of all creation. A delicate web glistens as the star crown for this tree. Tiny lights dance in the beams of a hovering moon and stars. This tree shelters a nativity scene crafted of Mississippi River stones and driftwood.

The SSND Christmas tree invites people to discover God’s voice in the richness of our natural landscape. Tree room guests receive the 2012 School Sister of Notre Dame tree blessing (below) proclaiming God’s voice boldly whispered throughout the amazing unity of creation.

DIVINE CREATOR,

Bless our Christmas tree with your brilliant moon
          and dancing stars.
Create shelter for songbirds and furry friends
          within its boughs.
Weave these limbs into a fragrant evergreen canopy
          welcoming all gathered for Christmas moments.
Gentle the earth beneath this Christmas tree,
          into a sacred dwelling of warmth for the Holy Family.
Wrap us in your loving heart.

          Amen.

Prayer and excerpts from information provided from Sister Joyelle Proot, SSND.
Photo credits to Sister Joyelle Proot, SSND.