WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE
By icebridge
@icebridge (144)
Philippines
December 2, 2006 1:49pm CST
The Bible is silent about telling us to observe Christmas, or recording any such observance by the apostles or early true Church, it DOES have something to say about the Christmas tree.
This will come as a real surprise to many. But here it is: Jeremiah 10:2-6: "Thus saith the Lord, LEARN NOT THE WAY OF THE HEATHEN...FOR THE CUSTOMS OF THE PEOPLE ARE VAIN: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."There is a perfect description of the Christmas tree, termed by the Eternal as "the way of the heathen - the customs of the people." We are commanded not to learn that way or follow it. It is also viewed in this passage as idolatry. The fifth verse shows that these trees cannot speak - cannot walk - must be carried. "Be not afraid of them; for THEY (the trees) cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good." They are not gods to be feared. Some people MISread this to make it say there is no harm in having a Christmas tree, but that is not what it says.
24 people like this
28 responses
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
19 Dec 19
Very old post, but it represents the opinions of some. Anything that becomes our focus rather than Christ is an idol. Even a tree. However, since this predates Christ it is likely not talking about the modern Christmas Tree. I think that the way we celebrate with extravagance is more like the Customs of the People.
11 people like this
@andriaperry (117146)
• Anniston, Alabama
19 Dec 19
Well, I like my Christmas tree but I do not use it as an idol.
8 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
19 Dec 19
I might just get a small tree to set upon a table @MarshaMusselman I have no kids so there's no real reason to get a large one.
4 people like this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
19 Dec 19
@rebelann I've used a fake one for years but haven't put one up for the last couple of years for lack of room. In a few years I'll have to start as I'll have an older grandson by then.
5 people like this
@misskatonic (3723)
• United States
3 Dec 06
Actually, that passage doesn't refer to Christmas trees. Especially considering Christmas Trees didn't exist in the time that passage was written.
What Jeremiah is warning about (if you read an actual translated passage,and not a paraphrased version) is idol worship. He's referring to creating gold and silver adorned idols - images of gods that the non-Abrahamic peoples worshipped as though they were gods themselves. As clearly demonstrated in this bit, which you left out:
"They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by these worthless wooden idols they craft. Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz. What the woodssman and goldsmith have made is then dressed in blue and purple, all made by skilled workers. But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath."
The passage does not refer to Christmas trees, but chopping down trees to make wooden idols. Christmas trees are not idols, they aren't representing a god. Therefor, it's okay to have a Christmas tree.
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
19 Dec 19
Much of what we use in our celebrations was Incorporated by pagans and some during the reign of Constantinople. If people choose to celebrate as they were taught by their parents as Heather said the item itself isn't an idol but it's how it's viewed.
We can enjoy the celebrations and make our own traditions but worship God the Father of Jesus rather than the other gods pagans worship.
Good looks at the heart. It's not what goes in but what comes out.
This comment brought to you by rebelann.
6 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
21 Dec 19
Hey Daddyo, how it going fer ya @DaddyEvil ?
What's to stir, it's history 
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
Hello there! 
You aren't trying to stir the pot a bit, are you? 
I am happy to see you both, Ann and Marsha!
You aren't trying to stir the pot a bit, are you?
I am happy to see you both, Ann and Marsha!3 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
22 Dec 19
I know the Ancients in the icy regions celebrated the winter solstice and would add offerings onto a tree to show their homage to the powers that be @just4him I've read that in a journal written by some anthropologist about the many different ancient sites like stonehenge where people over 3000 years ago would meet to celebrate the end of short days. Trouble is I read it in a research magazine before I ever got a computer and I don't have a clue how to find it again. The same guy also wrote about the Mayan Calendar and how the people of that region celebrated it.
2 people like this
@just4him (317241)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
22 Dec 19
@rebelann Not so much misread as misinterpreted. Christmas didn't happen until a couple of centuries ago. The Germans were the first people to have the Christmas tree.
This quote from Isaiah is about how a person uses a tree to warm himself with part and make an idol out of the other part and worship it. People made idols out of wood, stone, and metal. They also decorated their idols to represent things they were accustomed to. This has nothing to do with the Christmas tree.
2 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
19 Dec 19
The origin of the Christmas tree was borrowed from the Germanic tradition celebrating the winter equinox where they decorated a tree in honor of the end of short days. From what I've read about the 1st pope it was his way to get pagans or heathens to become catholic
5 people like this
@MarshaMusselman (38865)
• Midland, Michigan
19 Dec 19
That may be true, Thelma but the Germans may have gotten the idea from back near the first century. It's been used for centuries.
6 people like this
@AndreaM76 (1164)
• United States
3 Dec 06
Captain Jack's
Christmas Tree Farm Network
Traditions: Christmas Trees and Ornaments
The fir tree has a long association with Christianity, it began in Germany almost 1,000 years ago when St Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, was said to have come across a group of pagans worshipping an oak tree. In anger, St Boniface is said to have cut down the oak tree and to his amazement a young fir tree sprung up from the roots of the oak tree. St Boniface took this as a sign of the Christian faith. But it was not until the 16th century that fir trees were brought indoors at Christmas time.
I read the passage in the bible and yes other sources, pagens then used them to warn off evil spirits. This passage has nothing to do with what we call the Christmas tree. This was before Christ.
5 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
19 Dec 19
Using pine trees as a fire source could have been the reason in the beginning when there were still very harsh icy conditions in some parts of the world. I would imagine when it's that cold that a lit up pine tree might have been the best source for heat.
2 people like this
@AndreaM76 (1164)
• United States
2 Dec 06
What religon are you? And what version of the bible did you quote? I did look this up myself. Now I'm going to go look up the story behind the Christmas tree before I put one up this year. This really raises an intresting thought.
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
19 Dec 19
@rebelann There are lots of alternatives to cutting a tree, but sometimes trees need to be thinned out and cut. I have heard of tumble weeds spray painted and decked out for Christmas. About eight years ago feeling out of time and out of money, I flipped a tomato cage over, filled the inside with lights, wrapped the outside with evergreen garland and made a fancy trailing bow for it. All with stuff I had on hand. Hubby would like to buy a live tree to plant when the season is over. We have bought tiny rosemary trees and pots of Norfolk Pines and I have even decorated large houseplants for Christmas.
4 people like this
@sallypup (61627)
• Centralia, Washington
19 Dec 19
@GardenGerty You want tumbleweeds?? Come on over.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
Welcome to myLot!
I hope you are making friends and enjoying yourself here, JustCurious!
1 person likes this
@SinnerJohn (11)
• Romania
3 Dec 06
you are very funny with this...really...the christmas and the christmas tree is only a tradition for remembering teh birth of the Christ...the pine tree is the simbol of eternity..because it is always green..or maybe it looks like it is full of life...the bible does not tell about traditions...it is the God's word and it is refered only to things that can help us to gain salvation
4 people like this
@icebridge (144)
• Philippines
5 Dec 06
you are much funny! Christ's birth isn't what we celebrate during Christmas day! it is a pagan tradition.
3 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
22 Dec 19
I don't think Jesus was born in December @DaddyEvil
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
@icebridge Uhm... the birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is exactly what Christmas is... or should be. In these modern times Christmas has become a feeding frenzy for store owners and all the companies who manufacture goods purchased for the holidays.
@Letranknight2015 (52079)
• Philippines
19 Dec 19
Even selfie is idolatry too much worshiping self. If it were my way i wouldn't display my Xmas tree this holiday season, just the belen and lantern would be enough.
4 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
21 Dec 19
Oh sure, @DaddyEvil then I could ask if anyone out there knew what kinda insect bit me, right? 
You iz so so silly.1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
@rebelann 
You weren't admiring that wound, Ann?
Just think, you could post that "selfie" and lovingly describe exactly how you got it, how you cared for it and how much longer you thought it would take to finish healing! (You're missing out on a good post there! 
)
You weren't admiring that wound, Ann?
Just think, you could post that "selfie" and lovingly describe exactly how you got it, how you cared for it and how much longer you thought it would take to finish healing! (You're missing out on a good post there! )1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (37379)
• Toccoa, Georgia
19 Dec 19
Christmas trees are a man made tradition.
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (80736)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Dec 19
I just enjoy the look of a Christmas tree and this year I will probably put up my tiny artificial one just for some holiday cheer
5 people like this
@akalinus (43372)
• United States
21 Dec 19
@rebelann I am not doing any tree this year. My kids are grown and in another state and it is just me. I put up my nativity with animals and the buildings and trees from my winter village. I have a poinsettia garland edging around it all. That is plenty.
2 people like this
@flagelus (16)
• Romania
3 Dec 06
the christmas tree is of heathen origin. germanic tribes used to chopp of trees and ornate them in order to celebrate the winter aequinoctium, which by the way is exactly in the same period as todays christmas celebrations. the early christian church, in order to get rid of heathen habbits, proclaimed 25 december to a festivity, so that it would came out to replace the aequinoctium celebrations, and the baby jesus-story was fully adequated for that
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
You know, it's a real shame that this member no longer comes to myLot. (Their last activity here shows nothing since they wrote this discussion. Which was in 2006.)
In my own opinion, those verses are telling Christians not to worship the Christmas tree. And we don't! We are celebrating the birth of Christ. (Well, sort of, anyway.)
I can't see much about Jesus Christ in the modern day sales frenzy for Christmas!
But, in no way, shape or form do we worship a decorated tree. *shake my head*
Thank you for bringing this discussion to my attention, @rebelann. (It was interesting to read everything said here. )2 people like this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
21 Dec 19
I believe in the Great Spirit and as such I do celebrate the equinoxes. The winter equinox means the end of short days and I'll celebrate the beginning of longer days. The summer equinox means the end of short nights which I really don't celebrate, I like the long days so I kinda mourn the loss of daylight.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (112968)
• El Paso, Texas
21 Dec 19
Now that's what I call Christmas Spirit @DaddyEvil who needs trees or presents when we can have the camaraderie of friends and family?
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
@rebelann I'm actually an agnostic, Ann. But I did decorate and put up a Christmas tree for Pretty when she was little. (Up until she graduated from college, anyway. )
I was not going to be "That guy who didn't "do" Christmas for his little girl"!
Although, I guess I could have just not bothered since she doesn't decorate or give gifts. We do still make a big Christmas dinner and invite friends over who have no other place to go. *shrug*
)
I was not going to be "That guy who didn't "do" Christmas for his little girl"!
Although, I guess I could have just not bothered since she doesn't decorate or give gifts. We do still make a big Christmas dinner and invite friends over who have no other place to go. *shrug*1 person likes this
@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
21 Dec 19
I am glad you found that passage. And I am fully against cutting down a tree for any reason, especially for the sake of Christmas Idolatry. Great message. Thanks for sharing it. Peace.
2 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137634)
• United States
21 Dec 19
Hello Anthony!
Long time no see.
Merry Christmas!
1 person likes this
@lookatdesktop (27134)
• Dallas, Texas
22 Dec 19
@DaddyEvil , Merry Christmas DE . I am getting over a long case of the dreaded flu bug. Better now. Hope you are doing well also.
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66583)
• India
19 Dec 19
I never had a christmas tree but it's a better to learn about it
3 people like this
