The Tree of Life
The tree of life is a powerful symbol with deep significance across various cultures and religions. In biblical context, it represents eternal life and God's provision for humanity. The tree first appears in Genesis as a source of immortality in the Garden of Eden, and reappears in Revelation as part of the new paradise.
Symbolic Meanings
The tree of life symbolizes:
Source of eternal life: It was created to enhance and sustain human life indefinitely.
God's centrality: Its placement in the middle of Eden and along the river of life in the New Jerusalem signifies God as the source of eternal life.
Balance and harmony: In Celtic tradition, it represents the balance of nature's forces.
Connection between worlds: It links the earthly realm with the heavenly and underworld realms.
Wisdom and righteousness: In Proverbs, it's associated with wisdom, righteousness, and healing.
Biblical Narrative
In Genesis, access to the tree was barred after Adam and Eve's sin to prevent eternal life in a fallen state. This act is seen as God's mercy, limiting human lifespan to spare endless agony in a sinful condition.
Restoration and Hope
The tree of life reappears in Revelation, symbolizing the restoration of Eden and God's original plan for humanity. It bears fruit monthly and has leaves "for the healing of the nations," representing abundance, vitality, and reconciliation. The concept of the tree of life serves as a powerful reminder of God's provision, the consequences of sin, and the hope of restoration through Christ.
Book of Mormon
In the Book of Mormon, the “tree of life” is depicted in visionary form by Lehi and Nephi as a radiant tree whose fruit brings extreme joy, symbolizing the love of God as manifested through Jesus Christ and the blessings of salvation and eternal life. The vision also features allegorical elements—the iron rod (the word of God), a strait path, mists of darkness, a river, and a great and spacious building—that represent the journey toward this divine love and the obstacles of pride, sin, and temptation along the way.
Nephi interprets the tree as the love of God “which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men,” and the fruit signifies joy and salvation for those who faithfully follow God’s word and come unto Christ. The overall imagery emphasizes that holding to the word of God, despite worldly challenges, leads to eternal happiness found in God’s love and presence.
The Book of Mormon’s depiction of the tree of life is profoundly meaningful to Latter-day Saints, and its representation is often found in the Church’s teachings, art, and temple symbolism, reflecting its deep theological and devotional significance for believing members.
A special feature of the 2019 Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir program, “Tree of Life” was a mesmerizingly beautiful collaboration between its composer Mack Wilberg and long-time associate David Warner, who wrote the text. The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square join together with bell ringers and dancers, with an unusually moving result.
A much nicer high-definition version of this sequence can be viewed at the PBS website, here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/christmas-tabernacle-choir/concert-2020/tree-of-life/. It is quite breathtaking.
O Tree of Life!
When spring arises hear our voices singing— Alleluia!
Of blossoms promising the fruit we’re seeking— Alleluia!
New life in Thee we’re seeking—
Alleluia!
O Tree of Life!
When summer nourishes our life emerging— Alleluia!
And fruit is born, abundant, bright, appearing— Alleluia!
Sweet fruit of life appearing!
Alleluia!
O Tree of Life!
When autumn calls, Thine outstretched arms entreating—
Alleluia!
Bid us come forth and feast on life descending— Alleluia!
The feast of life descending!
Alleluia!
O Tree,
When winter comes to Thee, we bend in Thee, Thou purest Tree! Resplendent Tree!
Here we rest, we rest in Thee!
O Tree of Life!
O Tree of Life!
Bearing fruit of purest white,
Of sweet, exquisite taste—
Sweet fruit that makes us whole!
In Thee made whole!
Thy feast all life restores!
The fruit of Thy pure love is our Life forever more!
Alleluia!
