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Christmas Trees

December 14,  2008  - Ian

Real or Fake? Our family has this debate every year. Beth and I would like a fake plastic Christmas tree and with gaudy flashing lights especially the ones that have a number of flashing patterns. Narelle prefers a real tree only and with real live candles. The tree must be real as the candles would melt the plastic tree.

As we purchased our real tree this year, it made me consider where did the idea of a Christmas tree come from? I had not read it in the bible.... So I googled -29 million websites. Wow

Some have argued that the history of the tree is pagan and linked with Roman gods. Thus, Oliver Cromwell in England in the 17^th Century preached against "the heathen traditions" of Christmas carols and decorated trees. As Pastor Henry Schwan of Cleveland, Ohio decorated in 1851 what was likely the first Christmas tree in an American church, his parishioners condemned the idea as a pagan practise. I receive one point as I try to argue that there were no fake trees back then and so fake trees are not condemned.

But symbols in our world are just that – symbols and they can change meaning and so why not take something and make it Christian. One point to Narelle. Thus in the 16^th Century, in Germany, the practise of taking a tree and decorating it started. Even Martin Luther, the great reformer, is credited with coming up with the idea after seeing the night stars through the branches of a pine tree on a walk home, and he decorated a tree with his family with candles and silver and gold tinsel. Narelle wins 3 points here. Martin Luther is her hero. Three points to One.

The first fake tree also originated in Germany in the 19^th Century and came to the USA in 1913. One to Ian

Does anyone remember aluminium trees? – We had one when I was growing up in Australia. One more to Ian.

Some well meaning Christians have tried to condemn the tree, some well meaning Christians have tried to Christianise the tree. But God neither condemns nor encourages the use of the Christmas tree. So just enjoy them whether they be real or fake.

In the end there is no competition in our household. Narelle wins and I buy a real tree.

Ian

Comments

The days of the week are named after pagan gods and goddesses. Perhaps we should stop using them as well. And stop celebrating Easter, it takes its name from a pagan goddess.

Posted by Robert on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 04:13:59

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