Tree talk (2nd Sunday Advent, A)

The Christmas tree is an important symbol during this time of year. In the Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent, we find trees beings used as images in both the first reading and the Gospel (Isa 11:1-10; Mat 3:1-12). This "tree imagery" communicates the way that God brings new life from seemingly helpless situations as well as how we sometimes need pruning before God's goodness can flourish.