December 1998

Christmas Trees???

By Mark J. Ward

Did you know that the word "Christmas" is NOT found in the Bible? Did you know that we are NOT taught in the Bible that Jesus was born on December 25th? You must look to religious history after the close of the writing of the New Testament in order to find the origin of this "holy day". Please notice that God gives us all we need in the pages of His Word, yet He NEVER tells us to celebrate "Christ-mass". Our Heavenly Father did not tell us the date Jesus was born, nor did He give us instruction as to "how" to engage in such action! Yet, people the world over put up and decorate trees giving spiritual recognition to a holiday that has its origin OUTSIDE the pages of the Bible. Many people attend religious services and productions that center around the birth of Jesus Christ. It is of great significance that the religious-oriented gift giving and trappings of Christmas are engaged in by many today without divine authority. We encourage everyone to re-examine their actions during the holiday season in light of what the Bible teaches and authorizes.

Do you have a "Christmas tree"? If you do, do you recognize that the tree has RELIGIOUS or SPIRITUAL significance? I have heard Christians say, "I know that the Bible does NOT teach us when Jesus was born. And, I know that Christmas is not found in the Bible. And, I know that we are not authorized by the New Testament to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday... but I have a Christmas tree! But, I won't put an angel or a star at the top!" Hmmmm. Let's see. What impression do YOU get from reading the above? Is the "tree" still a Christmas tree or not?

I know it is possible to have a holiday that some recognize and celebrate in a "religious" way that others only recognize and observe in a "national holiday, non-religious" way. However, for those who are saying that they are not celebrating Christmas in a religious fashion to put up a Christmas tree is contradictory, for the tree has religious significance!

If one is to observe Christmas purely as a national holiday, in a non-religious fashion...one cannot embrace parts of the Christmas holiday that carry religious connotations! Surely we can recognize this principle in other matters that are similar. How would a casual observer KNOW that your tree is "NOT religious"? Is just saying it is "not religious" really make it not religious? How so? And for whom?

A study researching the origin of the Christmas tree will reveal its"religious nature".. Here are a few references along this line. Look to secular and religious encyclopedias (some won't even have it listed because "Christmas" and "Christmas trees" are not mentioned in the Bible) to see that the origin of the Christmas tree came, in part, from the worship of trees. Look to the words in the songs, "O Christmas Tree" and "O Faithful Pine". Note the following quotation: "...Several non-Christian elements have crept into the observance of Christmas. The use of lighted tapers reminds us of the Jewish feast of purification. The giving of presents was a Roman custom; while the yule tree and the yule log are remnants of old Teutonic nature worship..." (The People's Bible Encyclopedia, pg.204).

The family that says, "We recognize that the tree has religious meaning with MOST folks, but that is NOT the case with OUR FAMILY" needs to recognize the APPEARANCE that is left with others that drive by, or visit, and see the tree.

Please consider NOT having a tree if you have grown to the proper understanding of scripture to recognize that we are not authorized to celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday today. For those who believe that there IS Bible authority to celebrate "Christ-mass" as the birth of Christ, please send me the passage(s) and your reasoning from the Bible. I welcome your thoughts based on God's Word. The Bible teaches us that we must have authority for all that we engage in (Col 3:17; 2 John 9). Also, we MUST be mindful of the appearance of the example we set in the things we do before others that we are trying to convert to Christ. Thanks for reading.

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com