Luke 2:1-21 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. 21 And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
Jer 10:3-5 For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. 4 They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers So that it will not topple. 5 They are upright, like a palm tree, And they cannot speak; They must be carried, Because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, For they cannot do evil, Nor can they do any good.”
In Jeremiah, we see the prophet speaking of the idolatry of the nation of Israel that had fashioned gods to worship out of trees. Many in our day will use this passage to call modern ‘Christmas’ trees to be these same trees, thus making that which is not idolatry, sin to other believers. Whether the Christian community is talking about; Christmas, Easter, or birthdays we can all agree that the pagans have influence in these things. But, can we be like Paul on Mars Hill? Did Paul sin by using that place philosophers to talk to them about the Unknown God and relate it to their hearts and minds?
Act 17:22-27 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Can a Jesus believer today celebrate the season of remembrance of Jesus’ birth? The Bible specifically tells us to celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. So, we are not specifically commanded to observe His birth. But, that could be an argument from silence and if Paul became all things to all men that he might see some saved, can we? Now, I must give credit where it is due because Br. Ruben Israel pointed out some really great things about why this passage can’t be used this way. I am cutting and pasting most of what he said, with a few side observations.
Israel Ruben Does Jeremiah chapter 10 really speak against Christmas trees?
The verses commonly used is found in Jeremiah 10:3-5;
“For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree…. is it in them to do good”
I question that verse for several reasons, but let me start off with I do NOT display a Christmas tree in my house and using this verse is a weak argument.
The text is talking about trees being cut, with the work of workmen and the axe. Then these trees are decked with silver and gold, fasten by nails and will not move. Upright like a palm tree but do not speak and we should not be afraid of them.
Here are my reasons I believe this text is NOT speaking of what we call a ‘Christmas tree’ today.
1. Christmas was not ever heard of when Jeremiah spoke this [Jeremiah was
born 650 BC]
2. Christmas tree does NOT resemble a ‘palm tree’
3. I do not know anyone who is ‘afraid’ of a Christmas trees, most people get happy when they see a Christmas tree.
4. I have never heard of anyone claiming a Christmas tree talks
However there is a tree that has ALL the above and no one ever brings up.
That would be a ‘totem pole’
These were tress cut by workmen, decked with silver and gold, fasten by nails, with legs but not moving, upright like a palm tree, gives the impression they could speak and can appear scary if you walked up to one.
They are weird looking idols.
Could it be that Jeremiah 10 is speaking of ‘totem poles’ and NOT ‘Christmas trees’ and that is ‘the way of the heathen’ that loved idols?
Face it, Christmas trees are not idols, I’ve never seen anyone bow and pray to them. I do not recall a Christmas tree answering prayers…..however…..a ‘totem pole’ is an idol with legs, eyes, mouths and colors. They are made to be worshipped and those heathen think if you bow to them, you might get a stroke of good luck.
This is just my opinion, as you may have another but I personally question using that Jeremiah 10 when coupled with a Christmas tree. And IF you subscribe that Jeremiah 10 is speaking of a Christmas tree, my question would be. IF someone puts up an artificial Christmas tree would that be an idol or does it need to be a spruce, pine, or fir tree?
-Uncle Ruben
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Too much to talk about, but first God said “don’t do as”. Just because it isn’t the exact same discription of an Xmas tree doesn’t mean it’s not as. It’s been a few thousand years, the devil has definitely fine tuned it to excuse it. You cannot find where any early church fathers or true preachers of the Word (until as of recent) celebrated it but you may find where some preached against it. To be continued.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!