Redeemer Lutheran Church

Christmas Trees

 

The Word of God does say,

 

“Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move. Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good” (Jeremiah 10:2-5).

 

This passage of Holy Scripture and similar passages like it (Isaiah 40:18-20; 41:7; 44:9-17; Psalm 115:3-8; 135:15-18), have to do with “worshipping” physical objects as “gods” and seeking help and guidance from these false idols. Nowhere does Holy Scripture condemn the proper use of religious art, symbolism, etc. to remind us of the true God and His blessings. It would certainly be wrong to “worship” Christmas trees, pray to them, seek help from them, or attribute to them any spiritual “power.” But there is nothing wrong with simply using them as reminders of the beauty of God’s creation and of the wonder of His incarnation in Jesus Christ, who “became flesh” for us so that we might be saved.