What is the justification for Christians to have Christmas trees in their home and church?
The Christmas tree was birthed in pagan idolatry. The Bible says God will not accept worship when people take a pagan custom or manner of worship and try to honor Christ with it.
Actually, Christians don't have to justify it, for we are free; we are at liberty to enjoy God's creation as we see fit within the knowledge of who God is and what He is not! For mature Christians not only have Spiritual sense about common things, but we have common sense about Spiritual things!
But.....how, you ask, can we put up a Christmas tree?.......
The same way we can gaze at a falling star and yet know not to wish upon it!
The same way we can enjoy a pork chop without worrying if we're sinning or not!
Because we do not worship the actual tree, and we do not live our lives by the Jewish pre-Christ rituals.
The same way we can hug a tree (if we want to) just for the simple reason that we appreciate God's creation, and yet know that that tree is NOT God, nor is it a product of some idol called "Mother Nature", and indeed our reason is much more sane than the leader of the Green Party who I saw years ago on tv gushing about how she "got to hug" a big Redwood tree! LOL
WE know that the tree has no power, and we know that it is there for our usage, whether it's to enjoy the way it looks, enjoy its shade, or to cut it down for firewood or furniture or whatever.
If you're talking about the Scriptures in Jeremiah 10:1-6, etc., notice that the intent of God is to emphasize that the trees are NOT Him, not capable of anything, not worthy of worship, and verse 5 says to not be afraid of them! It is the "heathen" who is "afraid" of them! (Verse 2 says the heathen are "dismayed" at the signs of heaven (stars etc.)) In other words, the heathen mind believes those created things have some power within themselves. We Christians know that is not true.
You must remember that there is a world of difference between the pagan mind and heart and that of the Christian, who is born again, blood-bought, changed into a "new creature" in heart, mind, soul, spirit.
However, if a Christian feels convicted for putting up a Christmas tree, or feels tempted by it, then I think they should not put one up. Each of us has to handle our temptations using the measure of self-control we have attained, along with always seeking God's help for every aspect of our lives.
Is it ok to bring a Buddha idol in my home because it is has no power too, just as the Christmas tree of Nimrod ?
Can I freely enjoy how the adorned idols look as an accent to my home with the "common sense" of "who God is and what He is not?"
Our Heavenly Father is unchanging. If He said not to imitate or emulate the rituals and customs of the pagans...DON'T DO IT. How are we truly honoring our Heavenly Father and Son by following the heathen like a sheep follows a shepherd? Compromised?
You're right Brenda, you don't have to justify your thoughts or actions to any person except God.
I don't know anyone who worships their Christmas tree... it is a decoration... are you against decorating your home?
Yes, it is a decoration which symbolises pagan customs and idolatry. How you feel about the decorations and how you want them to represented does not change its historical origins and meanings.
Are the gifts under your tree just decoration too?
I agree with you totaly Brenda. The tree has nothing to do with worshiping God. I worship Him everyday all year in my own way, and too think someone might believe while the tree is up: God wont except my worship makes me shake my head in pity.
Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. - Amos 5:25-26
Their own way
Remind me not to come round your house for Christmas Planks, you sound like a right bundle of joy. NOT!
I agree with Brenda. A tree is just a tree and if I want to decorate one because it looks nice I will. As Paul says idols are nothing.
A tree is just a tree until you decorate it and give it credence to a certain day. From there, the meaning and what it symbolises is established. Yes, idols are nothing, until you adorn them with your affections of joyous eye-glossing feelings.
Ah well, I guess we're all going to be burned in hell over a Christmas tree. Ho hum.
Paganism is mingled within so-called christianity every day. Easter, Christmas, the cross, etc. If you are not comfortable with some ritual, rite, or tradition, then by all means refrain from it. Only you answer to God or Buddha or whomever for yourself. Make your own conscience clean.
An object is not an idol of worship unless you make it one.
True, when you put the Christmas tree up, decorate it, and adorn it with ornaments, you make it into an idol of worship.
The Christmas tree is a phallic symbol of worship to a pagan deity by historical and archaeological precedence.
Christianity is bathed in pagan idolatry. Do a Google search of the Egyptian god Horus or the Sol Invictus of Rome.
We don't have to justify it. They are beautiful and not objects of worship. We enjoy the way they look, the smell, the lights. I have never worshipped a tree, nor does our church. It is an item of decoration, much like a wreath or holly.
They are items of idolatry. The Christmas wreath serves as tiny shrines to the god Jul. The berries on the wreath help fortify the spell and symbolize fertility.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDdqsf4TGCU
There you have it, Planks...they look pretty and smell good. :0)
The Christmas tree was introduced to Britain by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. The idea then caught on in the U.S.A. The custom began in Eastern Europe in the 15th or 16th centuries i.e. it was not a pagan custom.
There is too much strong evidence with ancient archaeological carvings that reveal the pagan customs and the origins of the Christmas tree that date back all the way back to ancient Babylon and Egypt.
say what you want, as you can see here, tell them the truth that they dont like and see what they worship. They say they dont worship the tree but wont give it up. hmmmm
I believe there is no Scriptural justification for doing so. I am sure Jesus never decorated one and I am sure His disciples would have considered such a thing a gross heresy. But, many "Christians" today are spiritually compromised and are looking for signs and wonders. Instead of seeking the Lord and searching for truth...they just kind of lie back and go with the flow. Ho...Ho...Ho.
The Christmas tree is part of the beautiful side of evil which glosses eyes and gives goosebumps. Ho...Ho...Hold on!
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. - 2 Corinthians 11:14
Good for you PalnksandNails for proving all things... it's so sad that so many professing Christians out there do not bother to take the time and question things, but instead blindly follow the traditions of men.
I would love someone to show me in the New Testament where it it is written that the apostles and disciples celebrated Christmas... they observed Christ's death, but where is it written that they got together to get a tree and put it in their homes, decorated it with ornaments, put gifts under it and exhorted all of Christ's followers to do the same?
You go girl...I love the way you think!!! :0)
Thanks renegadetory, I believe, just like you said, "it's so sad that so many professing Christians out there do not bother to take the time and question things, but instead blindly follow the traditions of men.
A tree honors the family, because it is part of a family tradition in the Christmas Holidays. It is a way of celebrating the festive season and reflects the joy and warming feelings of brotherhood and fond relationships, at this time of year. The star at the top reflects the star over Bethlehem and the place where Christ was born. The beauty and happiness that it brings, is why it is a timeless and valued part of Christmas celebration. A tree is regarded just as those who decorate one, want it to, not as pagan or in idolatry.
What you want the tree to be does not change its history. The star is the sacred symbol of Nimrod, and has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity. Adding Bethlehem and Christ into the representation of the tree is what is convenient for you.
Trees are a great place for slathering decorations upon. I justify my giddy delight in doing so with the fact that someone out there will be offended by my Pagan activities. Gosh golly, I suppose it would be bad timing if I brought up my ritual wearing of Yak horns on the Eve of Plutonalia? Probably so. Oh well, it is what it is.
Thank-you Marcus, you are blunt and to the point.
there is the same justification for a tree as there is to celebrate a day as christmas.---NONE both are heathen practises and not scriptural in any form.
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