The Christmas tree |
As time
went by, people began to make the Christmas tree on the day which was
supposed to be the day on which Jesus was born (that is, on the 25th
of December). |
The custom
of celebrating Christmas with a tree dates back to the period of time during
which Martin Luther (1483-1546) lived. Historians say that this custom spread
along the |
Since the
ancient times trees have meant something to peoples; I remind you that the
fig tree and the oak tree were considered holy trees by the Romans, that the
Assyrians and the Phoenicians worshiped certain trees and that in the course
of the centuries many savage tribes have worshiped certain trees. |
As for
trees, we have to say that the Scripture contains some references to them
because it often compares men to trees. The following passages of the Scriptures
confirm this: |
● “Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight
is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And
he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth
his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he
doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:1-3). |
●
“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar
in |
● “Blessed
is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he
shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by
the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green;
and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from
yielding fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). |
As you can
see, the righteous who does the will of God is compared to a tree whose leaves
are always green and which never fails to bring fruit. |
However,
according to Wisdom, the tree symbolizes both Wisdom itself and a longing
fulfilled, for it is written that Wisdom is “a tree of life to those who take
hold of her” (Proverbs |
Furthermore,
if we add those scriptures which say that in the middle of the street of the
heavenly Jerusalem is the tree of life (Revelation 22:2), we will see that it
was not by chance that some began to celebrate the birth of Jesus on the 25th
of December with an evergreen tree, because according to them it represented
the life which was manifested. |
However,
many people buy the Christmas tree, deck it with lights, and put the Christmas
gifts under it, just because it is a custom followed by most people; as a
matter of fact to them the Christmas tree means nothing. |
As far as
we are concerned, since we don’t celebrate the birth of Jesus, we don’t
accept the custom of making the Christmas tree. |
However, we
know that unfortunately, and I say it again, unfortunately, this custom has
been accepted by many Christians, for when Christmas comes you can see the Christmas
tree in their houses and even in many places of worship: they don’t care if what
they do is not written in the Bible, because they don’t want to look
different from the Roman Catholics even in this matter. |
However, what
a contradiction; they are willing to accept a custom which was not followed
by the early Churches but they are not willing to accept a custom which the
early Churches of God had, such as that of the veil for a woman when she
prays or prophesies!! That shows us that to many believers it is more
important to conform to strange and pagan customs, than to customs which are Biblical
and Christian. Judge for yourselves what I say, brothers. |