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Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in America and the “Christmas Tree “is iconic to American family households. But, what does the Bible say about having a christmas tree up for the holidays?Is it a sin to put up a Christmas Tree?
There are about 54 bible verses that could be interrupted as having to do with Christmas trees. One of the more popular verses that speak about the Christmas tree is Jeremiah 10:1-25:
Jeremiah 10:1-25 says:
Hear the word that theLordspeaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says theLord: “Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.” …
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This verse doesn’t necessarily apply to christmas trees, but it does refer to thecustoms of the heathen who cut down trees, shaped the wood into idols. Some say this means you shouldn’t put up a tree, others believe this just means the most important thing is keeping Christ at the center of our worship.
Leviticus 23:40 says:
And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before theLordyour God seven days.
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Some believe this verse means the tree is a celebratory symbol based on the worship of God. It doesn’t necessarily apply to christmas trees, but it’s an interesting verse because of the palm tree and leafy tree reference.
Deuteronomy 16:21 says:
Thou shalt not plant thee a grove of any trees near unto the altar of the LORD thy God, which thou shalt make thee.
Although this verse doesn’t speak directly to christmas trees, it does make a point to mention trees near the altar of the lord. Some believe this means trees shouldn’t represent the birth of Jesus, but others believe this verse doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas.
All in all, whether you put up a Christmas tree or not, the worship should always be about the Lord and nothing else. If that is your driving force, whether or not you put up a tree is solely up to you. Do you think it’s a sin to put up a Christmas tree?
FAQs
But did you know that there is no mention of Christmas trees—or even the date of Jesus's birth—in the New Testament?
Is decorating a Christmas tree considered witchcraft? ›
Origin and meaning of decorating Christmas Tree
With time people started to decorate trees in their houses although it was not accepted by the Catholic Church right from the beginning. It was caused by the fact that decorating Christmas tree was taken from pagans and was considered as magic ritual and witchcraft.
What does the Bible say about Christmas lights? ›
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." - John 1:4-5 (NLT). Our relationships with God turn on the light of hope in our souls. Then we can shine our light into this world, as well. Christmas lights remind us to stay plugged into a connection with God, our ultimate power source.
What does God say about Christmas? ›
The Scriptures neither command nor forbid the celebration of Christmas. Christians should celebrate and remember the Lord and what He has done for us, including His birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection every day, including Christmas.
Is Christmas tree allowed in Christianity? ›
The tradition of decorating a tree is embraced by millions of people worldwide of different faiths and cultures. While it is still a symbol of Christianity to some, to others it is simply part of December celebrations.
Can Christians use Christmas trees? ›
The concept of decorating is cross cultural and has been used throughout different religions in time as part of their events. It is not unchristian, nor is it directly a pagan act. Christmas decorations are not religious or idolatrous symbols, they are part of the occasion of celebration.
Is Christmas tree pagan myth? ›
Unquestionably, the answer relates to the Christmas tree's deep roots. The Christmas tree tradition emerged from the “sacred trees” of Northern European mythology such as Yggdrasil, the giant ash tree at the center of the Norse cosmos that holds all the worlds in its roots and branches.
Are Christmas decorations pagan? ›
If you thought those cosy traditions you knew and loved were just about celebrating Christmas, think again! Things like kissing under a mistletoe, carolling, wreaths, and even gift-giving were all aspects of pagan holidays that were adapted into Christmas celebrations in the early years.
Is having a Christmas tree religious? ›
Christians justified the custom on religious grounds by explaining that the evergreen tree can symbolize eternal life. Even today in many traditionally Catholic countries, far more emphasis is placed on the much older Christian custom of erecting Nativity scenes, a tradition attributed to St.
When should you take down your Christmas tree according to the Bible? ›
Well, according to tradition, a Christmas tree should be kept up until 12 nights after Christmas. (And yes, this is also where the Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" gets its meaning.) In the Christian religion, the Christmas season ends on The Feast of Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6.
For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.
Why was December 25th chosen as the birthday of Jesus? ›
“The real reason for the selection of Dec. 25 seems to have been that it is exactly nine months after March 25, the traditional date of Jesus' crucifixion. … As Christians developed the theological idea that Jesus was conceived and crucified on the same date, they set the date of his birth nine months later.”
Why do some Christians not celebrate Christmas? ›
Those who oppose Christmas often point out that the Bible does not explicitly command or endorse the celebration of Jesus' birth on a specific date or through specific rituals. The New Testament does not provide any instructions regarding the observance of Jesus' birth or the establishment of a yearly celebration.
Does the Bible recognize Christmas? ›
Dec. 25 is not the date mentioned in the Bible as the day of Jesus's birth; the Bible is actually silent on the day or the time of year when Mary was said to have given birth to him in Bethlehem. The earliest Christians did not celebrate his birth.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Christmas tree? ›
In Christianity, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. People think of the tree's branches and bushes as a sign of immortality because they look like Christ's crown of thorns on the cross. Also, people believe that each ornament on the Christmas tree has a special meaning.
What does the Christmas tree symbolize? ›
For many, the Christmas tree represents Jesus Christ's birth and resurrection. The tree branches and bushes are regarded as a sign of immortality and are thought to represent Christ's crown of thorns on the crucifixion.
Why did Christians put up Christmas trees? ›
Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Calvary." Because the evergreen flourishes all year round, it came to symbolize eternal life through Christ's birth, death, and resurrection.
What did the Christmas tree originally symbolize? ›
The modern Christmas tree, though, originated in western Germany. The main prop of a popular medieval play about Adam and Eve was a “paradise tree,” a fir tree hung with apples, that represented the Garden of Eden.
