From my dear friends, the fundamental Bible Christians, I know that they are VERY PROUD INDEED not to celebrate Christmas - and have no Christmas Tree, Because a Christmas Tree is pagan and probably even satanic. So now I ask: What do we all think about the Christmas Tree=
People are, of course, free to feel any way they wish and celebrate any way they choose. Christmas trees, from my experience, bring a lot of joy during the season. Nothing wrong with joy!
I've heard they were druidic, which would make them celtic, but I've also heard they were viking, which would be somewhat germanic as well. Maybe we could just call it 'northern europe pagan.' In any event, our Christmas trees have always been 'de-paganized' by a lack of human sacrifice
This may be of interest: Sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology "Trees hold a particular role in Germanic paganism and Germanic mythology, both as individuals (sacred trees) and in groups (sacred groves). The central role of trees in Germanic religion is noted in the earliest written reports about the Germanic peoples, with the Roman historian Tacitus stating that Germanic cult practices took place exclusively in groves rather than temples. Scholars consider that reverence for and rites performed at individual trees are derived from the mythological role of the world tree, Yggdrasil; onomastic and some historical evidence also connects individual deities to both groves and individual trees. After Christianization, trees continue to play a significant role in the folk beliefs of the Germanic peoples." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_trees_and_groves_in_Germanic_paganism_and_mythology
You dont like Bible Believing people do you.... No the Christmas tree is not satanic or wrong. We fundementalists like our trees. Now Johovah Witnesses are completely another story. They don't celebrate Christmas at all. My understanding is that they think it distracts from Jesus and is more self serving. And that is ok to believe that.
Back in May the pastor told me I was going to have to preach on the third Sunday of each month for the uncertain future. I started planning for December 19: Jeremiah 10 about a tree decoration and veneration. I was planning to renounce the practice. In November I was relieved of the monthly sermon but not officially out of December 19 until last Thursday. The sermon would still work on December 26 (second day of Christmas) or January 2 (9th day of Christmas). Otherwise it has to wait.
You are quite wrong there. I do not like conceited fanatics who think they are the only people worldwide who deserve the name "Christian". And Jesus does not like such Pharisees either.
Love Christmas trees. It was always one of my favorite parts of Christmas growing up. We always have the main tree and several smaller ones throughout the house. This years I setup my own Geek Tree with the starship Enterprise tree topper and all my geeky decorations like Star Trek, Star Wars, Marvel, etc... throughout. That way my wife does not have to complain about my childish decorations ruining her tree.
OK - and what do you then tell those who think that those trees are pagan and satanic and un-biblical?
I wasn't the one who said "We fundamentalists." I'm a full inerrantist. I believe everything as literally as possible. So the trees do clap their hands, meaning they rattle branches against each other at times to worship. Pagan is a tough word. I wonder though if any of us can defend the Christmas tree. Catholics certainly shouldn't try too hard because it was Martin Luther who apparently endorsed the idea first. That might be an apocryphal story about him though.
They are pagan, but not satanic, I think. I have mixed feelings about Christmas trees and secularization of Christmas.
I would tell them nothing other than to wish them a Merry Christmas. They are entitled to their opinion just as I am to mine. I would never force them to put up a tree and I would hope they do not lecture me and ask me to take down mine.