From Logos Resource Pages.org
* THE CHRISTMAS TREE
An early Roman ritual was to exchange green tree branches on January 1. They believed this would bring them good luck.
The Scandinavian people once worshipped evergreen trees. They believed godlike spirits inhabited them so people brought trees into their homes to please the spirits and seek their blessing. When the Gospel of Christ reached the Scandinavian people they made the evergreen tree part of their Christian Festivals.
The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah also mentions ancient pagans making idols out of trees and worshipping them. in
Jeremiah 10:3-5. This is a reference to
Asherah poles, not the "Christmas" tree.
But how did the "Christmas Tree" get to where it is today? Germans are responsible for bringing the Christmas tree to the New World. The German theologian and reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) was perhaps the one who popularized the "Christmas Tree" as we know it. The tale goes . . . One clear, brisk Christmas Eve, Martin Luther was walking home under the starstudded sky. It was so wonderful. As he walked he tried to think how he could catch the beauty of that eve and bring it home to his children. Suddenly he thought of a large evergreen tree gleaming with candles. He proceeded to find a tree, cut it down and take it home to decorate it. His children were delighted.
Hence we have the beginnings of our modern day "Christmas Tree" with all the trimmings.
As interesting and beautiful as Christmas Trees are, they are NOT the reason Christmas is important!
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Don't abandon Christmas & don't be overcome with the evils of its abuse, rather overcome the evils with good
(Romans 12:21). Look at Christmas as an opportunity to
EXALT CHRIST. I am reminded of Paul's letter to the Roman believers dealing with "special days --
Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
It is not the day that is important, nor the customs that are observed.
What IS IMPORTANT is revealed in the next verse,
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it...Romans 14:6 If we are going to celebrate Christmas, we are to celebrate it in a Christ honoring way! This is what has happened much of the time concerning Christmas. When the Gospel of Christ reached pagan people they "Christianized" their traditions and redirected them to point to Christ. I do not necessarily agree with the reemphasis in some cases but I do know Christ is to be lifted up, magnified & exalted. Today we need to do the same...
PUT CHRIST IN FIRST PLACE. Make
HIM preeminent. because
HE IS WHAT MAKES CHRISTMAS IMPORTANT.
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