I have heard on a few occasions that God condemns the use of Christmas trees in Jeremiah 10:3-4. Read these words:
3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.
At firsts reading, this looks like a contemporary Christmas tree. At first glance, it looks as if these verses can be used to condemn the use of a Christmas tree. However, it is always imperative that one reads the context of the verses and not simply pull them out of the Bible and use them as a proof text. Is God condemning Christmas tress is Jeremiah 10? Verse 5 answers that question for us:
5 Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good.
As you read verse five, you realize that God is not condemning Christmas trees but idols carved out of word, adorned, and used as worship. A Little history of the Christmas tree might be helpful: The Christmas Tree originated in Germany about 2000 years after Jeremiah’s condemnation of wooden idols. An article from the Christian Research Institute says, “It originated from two Christian symbols found in homes at Christmas time. The first was a “Paradise tree,” an evergreen which was hung with apples which represented the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The second symbol was a “Christmas pyramid.” This of course was a triangular shelf holding Christmas figurines and decorated with a star. By about the 16th century these two symbols had been combined into the Christian Christmas tree.”
The real issue with all the secular “trappings” of Christmas is this: How’s your focus? Another way of asking this question is simply, “How’s your heart?” There is nothing wrong with having a Christmas Tree or other more secular decorations unless they are tearing your away from the true message and meaning of the season. Idols divide your heart. Use your decorations as a means to sharpen your focus on God’s gift and to communicate the gospel message to people who walk through your home. For instance, the Christmas Tree is an evergreen. You could point people to the truth of eternal life through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Use the Christmas decorations as a catalyst to enhance your worship. Let the wreath, tree, and other decorations remind you of the amazing love of our Savior. Even Santa Claus can be redeemed. Do a historical study of the “real” Santa Claus. You can even teach your children about the real “gift giver, “namely God Himself.
The question for us all this Christmas season is this: Are you being trapped under the weight of the American Christmas picture, or are you in true and authentic worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I have said many times this year, allow yourself to be amazed. The creator of the universe chose to leave His throne, become a fetus in the womb of Mary and be born of a virgin. Every time you see Christmas decorations allow your heart to leap for joy and bow your knee in humble adoration.
Merry Christmas!
