Bible Questions & Answers Archive 

 Is a Christmas Tree Good or Bad?
By Dr. Max D. Younce
0028

 Question 

Does Jeremiah 10:3 and 4 which says, in part, "They cut a tree out of the forest and deck it with silver and gold" and "that these customs are vain" refer to our Christmas tree. And, do you have a tree in your church at Christmas?

 Answer 

This could hardly refer to Christmas as it was written over 600 years before Christ was born. This is speaking of making idols to worship and even dressing them with clothing. (Jeremiah 10:9) Read Isaiah 40:18-20. They even called their idols "Father" in Jeremiah 2:27 where the word "stock" is an idol.

Yes, at Christmas time we have a decorated tree in our church with exchange gifts beneath the branches. It is ludicrous to think that a church and its members worship the tree! We remind our people that the star on top points to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is atop everything in this world and is the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16). The evergreen reminds us of the everlasting life which we can have through faith in Christ’s sacrificial death for us on the cross. (John 6:47). The trimmings remind us of all the many blessings Christ gives us (James 1:17). The gifts beneath the tree also remind us that we should give our gift of love and kindness to others throughout the coming year.

Years ago, a man expressed his opinion we were "heathen" because we have a Christmas tree in our church at Christmas. I suggested to him that he might practice what he preached, and cut down the evergreens in his front yard that were decked with Christmas lights. (Romans 2:1).