To Tree, Or Not To Tree...

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.  I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. Romans 14:13-14 (New International Version, NIV)

In Romans 14, Paul addresses certain believers’ ideas that there were some foods that were off-limits and that some days were more sacred than others. Paul tells us that in and of itself, no food or other item is unclean. He tells us that instead of being concerned that someone might not consider it permitted to eat certain foods or do certain things, we should allow them to follow the Lord according to their convictions. And he also states that we should not do anything to make them do something that goes against their convictions. In my view, the age-old debate about Christmas trees is the same concept.

There is indeed, some historical evidence that the Christmas tree has ties to pagan religions. There have been sects that worshipped trees or spirits they believed dwelt in the trees. There are ties between the evergreen and the worship of other Gods. However, there are also scriptural ties to the evergreen tree. I could give you detailed information the background on the history of the Christmas Tree, but there have been many excellent articles done on the subject. To read further about it, I highly recommend that you start with an excellent article from Answers In Genesis, which you can access from this link.

When I see a Christmas tree, I see not only the festive, happy nature of holiday celebration, I see elements that point to Jesus Christ. For example, I see the lights on the tree and I’m reminded that Jesus is the Light of the world. The star on top is a visible reminder of the night of His birth, when a special star shone above Him. The ornaments that make the tree beautiful and festive remind me of the joy I have because Jesus gave me beauty for ashes. And I view the evergreen tree itself as a symbol of everlasting life, since the evergreen tree stays green all year long. And Jesus Himself used the analogy of a tree, when He said, I am the vine and you are the branches. When I see the Christmas tree, it reminds me that I have everlasting life in Jesus and that abiding in Him provides that life to me everyday. Most importantly, the Christmas tree is a reminder of the fact that the holy Child born in a humble stable was destined to die for me on a tree.

So, what I want to point out is that the Christmas tree, like many other traditions, is what you make of it. If the historical background of the Christmas tree has you questioning whether to have a tree in your home, seek the Lord about it and follow what He shows you to do. And if you are one who goes all out to put up a Christmas tree and you take great pains to decorate it and perhaps even pride yourself on the beauty of your tree, consider if you have your priorities right. I am not saying that it is wrong to get great satisfaction out of decorating your Christmas tree. I am simply reminding you that nothing should outshine Jesus, even something that is erected in honor of Him. If the tree gets more of your attention than the Lord, simply make the adjustment to put more emphasis on Him.

Finally, regardless of what our opinion of Christmas trees may be, we should avoid being judgemental and critical of those who see it differently than us. It is up to each person to pursue their relationship with the Lord as they believe God would have them do so.

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 (NKJV)