The Bible does not directly address whether Christians should have a Christmas tree or not. However, there are some principles and historical context that can help inform our perspective on this tradition.
The origin of the Christmas tree
The tradition of bringing an evergreen tree into one’s home and decorating it originated in 16th century Germany. It was common for people to decorate with holly, ivy, and evergreens during winter solstice celebrations. These plants that remained green through the winter carried symbolic meaning – the promise that plants would grow again and life would triumph over death. When Christianity spread to Germany, some of these solstice customs were adapted and given Christian meaning. The triangular shape of evergreen trees was said to represent the Trinity. Decorating them with candles recalled Christ as the Light of the World. And the star atop the tree pointed to the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to Jesus.
So while the Christmas tree has origins predating Christianity, it evolved over time as a way for Christians to symbolize theological truths. Its green branches reference everlasting life in Christ, the decorations recall Jesus as the Light, and the star points to His incarnation. The Christmas tree is not inherently pagan or Christian – its meaning is given by the decorations and the focus of those gathered around it.
Bible verses about Christmas trees
The Bible nowhere commands or condemns putting up a Christmas tree. But there are some verses that give principles to consider.
Thus says the Lord: “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.” (Jeremiah 10:2-3a ESV)
This warns God’s people not to blindly adopt the customs of unbelievers without discerning if they align with Scripture. So Christmas tree traditions should be evaluated – do they distract from or enhance our worship of Christ?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Paul encourages us to do all things, even mundane daily activities, in a way that glorifies God. So if having a Christmas tree is done with intentionality to glorify Christ, it can be pleasing to God.
“He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord…” (Romans 14:6a ESV)
This suggests freedom in celebrating certain holidays, as long as it is done to honor the Lord and not merely for personal entertainment. A Christmas tree could fall into this category.
“So let no one judge you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17 ESV)
Paul again emphasizes freedom regarding festivals. Since a Christmas tree is not intrinsically moral or immoral, we have liberty in this matter. The key is keeping Christ as the substance.
So while the Bible does not mention Christmas trees directly, it gives principles about handling holidays and traditions with wisdom, discernment, and an aim to glorify God.
Potential benefits of Christmas trees
Having a Christmas tree can be beneficial when done properly. It can serve as:
- A symbol pointing to theological truths about Jesus and the gospel
- A gathering point for family traditions and making Christ-centered memories
- A seasonal reminder of Joy to the World, the Lord has come
- A conversation starter for discussing the reason for the season – Christ’s birth
The sights, smells, and festivities around a Christmas tree can create a sense of wonder and joy. They can direct our thoughts to consider what a miraculous gift we have in Christ. Parents can use the tree as a visual aid when telling children the story of Jesus’ birth. The tree becomes a natural focal point directing our praise and adoration toward God’s perfect gift to the world.
Potential dangers of Christmas trees
However, there are also potential dangers to be aware of when using a Christmas tree:
- It can become a distraction that takes focus off Christ
- Decorating can feed materialism if not done carefully
- Without intentionality, it risks becoming a lifeless tradition
- Pagan origins of some decorations like wreaths, garland, yule logs, etc. could misdirect people
- If not kept in biblical perspective, tree adoration almost becomes idolatrous
To avoid these pitfalls, Christians should be careful to keep traditions centered around Jesus. All decorations should point to Him and the tree shouldn’t overshadow the true reason for the season. It’s wise to educate children on the difference between Santa mythology and the reality of Christ’s birth. And the expense and stress of decorating should not undermine the joy and simplicity Christ brings.
Biblical principles for assessing Christmas trees
The following biblical principles can help Christians decide if having a Christmas tree is appropriate for their families:
- Lordship of Christ – Does this tradition exalt Jesus Christ as Lord? Or does it distract and detract from Him?
- Heart motives – Am I desiring to glorify God and celebrate Christ through this? Or is my heart idolatrous and coveting materialism?
- Eternal focus – Does this direct my thoughts towards eternity and the gift of Jesus? Or only on superficial temporal things?
- Faithfulness – Does this help cultivate joy and gratitude in my family for God’s provision? Or merely consume time and money?
- Freedom – Do I have the Christian freedom to either partake or abstain according to my conscience? Or do I feel legalistically bound to perform this tradition?
- Witness – Will this tradition help my unbelieving neighbors focus on the true Christmas story and Jesus as Savior? Or confuse them and reinforce Santa mythology?
Asking these types of questions can help believers decide if having a Christmas tree is spiritually beneficial or detrimental. There is freedom in Christ either way, when applied with wisdom.
Suggestions for God-honoring Christmas tree traditions
If having a Christmas tree, here are some ideas for keeping Christ at the center:
- Open the decoration season with prayer and reading the Christmas story from the Gospels
- Play Christmas carols focused on Jesus while decorating
- Use a Jesse Tree to tell the whole redemption story from Creation to Christ’s birth
- Let kids make homemade salt dough ornaments picturing biblical scenes
- Include Chrismons ornaments that symbolize Christ
- Use a nativity set beneath the tree to prominently feature Jesus
- Decorate with battery-operated candles instead of lights to encourage reflection
- Keep gifts to family only under the tree to avoid materialism
- Schedule a daily family devotional time near the tree
Traditions like this help counter the commercialized aspects of Christmas. They allow the tree to serve as a meaningful symbol illuminating God’s gracious provision in sending His Son. With intentionality, the Christmas tree can point us to worship Christ as Savior and Lord.
Should churches have Christmas trees?
Historically, Christmas trees did not appear in churches until the 19th century. While some praise choruses mention Christmas trees, the symbols used in Scripture to represent the church are things like the body, temple, lampstand, pillar, bride, flock, etc. – not a Christmas tree. So churches are not biblically obligated by command or example to use them. Each congregation should decide with prayer and unity based on their conscience and circumstances.
Potential benefits of a church Christmas tree are fellowship, beauty, childlike wonder. But possible cautions include distraction from the eternal, temptation toward performance-based religion, and unclear symbolism. A barren tree with Chrismons could avoid some of the dangers. And including a tree in the lobby rather than sanctuary keeps the focus on the pulpit, communion table, and baptismal font during corporate worship.
As with families, the principles of exalting Christ, edifying the body, and bearing witness to Jesus in the community can guide churches in discretion. Any tradition that might cause offense or confusion should be approached sensitively.
Should Christians use evergreen wreaths, garlands, and yule logs?
Wreaths, evergreen garlands, and burning yule logs can also have pagan origins related to winter solstice. But like the Christmas tree, they have been adapted as Christ-focused symbols by Christians. Evergreen wreaths point to eternal life in Christ and the cycle of death and rebirth. Garlands represent joy and abundance in Jesus. Some yule log traditions involve prayer and singing carols. With intentionality, these practices can direct our thoughts to the light of Christ overcoming sin’s darkness. Their historical roots may be questionable, but if focused on Jesus they can be used tastefully.
However, Christians who feel uncomfortable using them should not be judged. Abstaining demonstrates caution to avoid even hints of paganism, prioritizing untainted worship. Neither choice is more righteous, only done in love and sincere faith. As long as Christ remains preeminent, there is grace and charity for a range of Christmas traditions.
Conclusion
The Bible does not condemn or command putting up a Christmas tree. Based on principles for God-honoring traditions, liberty of conscience, and avoiding distraction from Jesus, Christmas trees can be beneficial or detrimental. If done with care and Christ-centered intentionality, they can serve as a symbol directing our thoughts to the miracle of Jesus’ birth and the gospel. But without a biblical focus, they risk becoming idolatrous traditions. Christians should apply wisdom and discernment from Scripture as they assess Christmas trees and related decorations.
Above all, the glory of God in Christ should be the lens we use to evaluate any Christmas traditions. His purposes must remain supreme throughout the season and our lives.