HOW BIBLICAL IS A CHRISTMAS TREE?

The Christmas tree is a world-wide tradition. There is no Scripture commanding us to use a tree in our celebration of our Savior's birth; neither is there any Scripture condemning the practice. There are some people, however, who refer to Jeremiah 10:3-5 and claim that a Christmas tree is forbidden. But the tree spoken of there is a pagan tradition, and we are not pagans, we are Christians! To the pagans, the tree mentioned there was an idol which they worshipped.

As Christians, everything we do at this precious season of the year should revolve around Christ. Why not start a tradition of our own and point out to our families each year the Christian meaning of each aspect of the Christmas tree?

The tree, itself, speaks of life. Fir and pine trees remain green the year around, symbolizing the everlasting hope of mankind. And did you ever think of the needles that always point upward where our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers should always be?

The lights we use to decorate not only the Christmas tree but also our houses, represent Christ, the Light of the world. As we look with awe and wonder at the millions upon countless millions of lights adorning the countryside at this blessed time of year, we're reminded that each one celebrates the birth of the Babe in the manger. Even those who are not Christians are presenting the glorious Light of the world for all to see even though they are oblivious of that fact.

We often put a star at the top of the tree which represents the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior. Some people crown the top of their Christmas tree with an angel. And it was an angel, of course, who announced to Mary she would become the Mother of the blessed Son of God. It was angels who heralded the glad news of the new-born Christ Child to the shepherds. It was an angel choir who sang, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward men."

And have you ever put a candy cane on your tree? A cane represents the crook of the shepherds' staff, the staff that helped them bring straying sheep back to the fold! What a beautiful picture of the purpose for the coming of the Son of God!

Remember, too, that lost sheep are found by the soft tinkling sound of a bell around their necks. That same bell rings today to bring lost men and women back to God's fold. Remember the old carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day?" A phrase of one verse proclaims, "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead nor doth He sleep!" Aren't you glad God is still on the throne today and knows everything that goes on in this sin-blighted world of ours?

Then, too, we often hang a wreath in our windows or on our doors. And a wreath symbolizes the real nature of love, love that never ends, but is one continuous round of affection -- no beginning, no ending. "We love Him because He first loved us." And we give gifts, of course, to commemorate the greatest Gift ever given -- the Gift of the little Lord Jesus Who came to earth to become our Lord and Savior.

Even the holly leaf reminds us of Christ, as it represents the crown of thorns He wore as our Redeemer, while its bright red berries represent the precious Blood He shed for us.

And like the shepherds, we, too, should worship the Lord of lords. Like the Magi, we should honor Him as King of kings and give Him our lives, which is the best gift of all.

So this year let's make Christ the center of Christmas as we not only remember the true meaning of Christmas but also share it with our families and friends.

The Christmas tree is as Biblical as you want to make it!

Preacher's Kid