It’s a tradition that millions look forward to each year as Thanksgiving passes and Christmas draws near. Some people drag out the boxes filled with a Christmas tree and decorations, while others prefer to have a live tree cut to decorate. Then there is the placing of gifts under the tree once it is decorated. Does the Bible have anything to say about this type of tradition? Should Christians have a Christmas tree?
Is Your Tree An Idol?
Many people believe Christmas trees are wrong because of what is said in (Jeremiah 10:1-5). The words are spoken to Israel warning them not to act like other nations who cut down trees, carved them into idols, and decorated them with gold and silver. These scriptures were definitely a clear warning against carving trees into false gods and worshiping them, but does this mean Christmas trees are wrong to have?
As a Christian, if you look at your tree after it is decorated and it has nothing to do with Jesus and the real meaning behind Christmas, perhaps you may need to adjust your decorations. Many things can compete with God to take our focus off of him (Santa Claus, Easter Bunny). Other than that, unless you plan on worshiping your Christmas tree as an idol or a god, these verses from Jeremiah, nor do any other Scriptures from the Bible, prohibit us from having a Christmas tree as part of our celebrating Christmas.
The Modern Day Christmas Tree
If you trace it back far enough, no doubt some cultures used trees in various pagan rituals. Obviously they were using trees for false gods in Jeremiah. The point is, what some previous cultures did hundreds of years ago with trees has nothing to do with modern-day Christians who want to use them as a way to decorate in celebration of Jesus. It’s hard to argue against a Christmas tree that is decorated in a way that reminds us of our Savior’s birth. With various forms of angels, stars, and nativity scenes placed on and around a Christmas tree, it’s a great way to represent the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ!
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