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Does Jeremiah Describe a Christmas Tree in Jeremiah 10:2-5?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe Christmas tree, as we know it today, mirrors the carved idols described in Jeremiah's writings. This practice is identified as a custom linked with the signs of heaven, much like Christmas is tied to the winter solstice, despite many not recognizing this connection. Cutting down and setting up a tree is labeled as the way of the Gentiles, and we are commanded not to learn or follow such practices. Using a tree in this manner is clearly presented as idolatry, violating the fundamental commandment against idols.
Reasons for Not Celebrating Christmas
CGG Weekly by John ReissMany of the trappings of Christmas are directly imported from paganism. The Catholic Church welcomed pagan tree-worshippers into their fellowship by simply renaming their trees as Christmas trees.
The Crazy in Christmas
CGG Weekly by Ronny H. GrahamProbably the most widely used object in the celebration of Christmas is the evergreen tree. It is plain after even a little research that this tradition has its roots in pagan practices. The Christmas tree has its origins in the practice of bringing a live tree into the home so the wood spirits would have a place to keep warm during the cold winter months. Bells were hung in the limbs so you could tell when an appreciative spirit was present. Food and treats were hung on the branches for the spirits to eat, and a five-pointed star, the pentagram, symbol of the five elements, was placed atop the tree. Notably absent from all these ideas is any authority from the Bible. When neighbors visited and noticed the absence of a Christmas tree and decorations in our home, they were stunned and questioned our beliefs, highlighting how deeply ingrained this tradition is in the celebration of Christmas.
Crazy or Christmas
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamIf Christmas is Christ's birthday, it is strange that everybody else except Christ receives a gift. All of its symbols derive from pagan sources.
So You Plan to Keep Christmas Now?
Article by Mike FordWhen you erect a Christmas tree and deck it with lights, what are you signifying? Decorating with evergreens stems from ancient fears of the dark and evil spirits believed to inhabit it. These people did not want to be at the mercy of such forces if the sun should die. Yet, satan has embraced these lights and beautiful evergreen trees as a means to misguide a deceived mankind, making his deceptions seem attractive and harmless.
The Plain Truth About Christmas
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletThe Christmas tree, a central symbol of the holiday, has origins that trace back to ancient Babylon. It is claimed that after Nimrod's death, his mother-wife Semiramis propagated the belief that a full-grown evergreen tree sprang overnight from a dead stump, symbolizing Nimrod's rebirth. She asserted that on each anniversary of his birth, December 25th, Nimrod would visit this tree and leave gifts upon it. This story marks the real origin of the Christmas tree, rooted in pagan idolatry rather than any Christian tradition. Furthermore, historical accounts reveal that the Christmas tree's use predates the Christian era, originating in Egypt and tied to pagan customs. Authorities note that such practices were adopted into the celebration of Christmas during the fourth and fifth centuries, as pagans of the Roman world embraced Christianity while retaining their old traditions under new names. The Christmas tree, therefore, stands as a relic of pre-Christian times, integrated into the holiday through cultural assimilation rather than divine instruction.
What's Wrong With Christmas?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMany people are well aware of the tainted origin and history of Christmas, yet this holiday flourishes in the materialistic Western world, spreading its revelry globally. Christmas is a quagmire of deceptive traditions, characterized by decadence, lying, greed, cavorting, drunkenness, gluttony, and murder. In this, there can be no true worship of God and Jesus Christ, as They must be worshipped in spirit and truth. One specific tradition, the Christmas tree, exemplifies the pagan roots of this holiday. Historical sources reveal that the custom of decorating trees derives from ancient pagan worship practices, not from any command or example in Scripture. This practice, like other Christmas customs, turns people's hearts away from God, mixing falsehoods with worship and creating a lie that cannot honor Him. God has warned against adopting the ways of other nations in worship, commanding that He not be worshipped through pagan customs or human traditions. Instead, true worship must start with God and adhere to the truth revealed in His Word.
Christmas and Sun Worship
Sermonette by Mike FordChristmas, as observed in much of the so-called Christian world, carries a deep connection to pagan festivals, intertwined with elements of sun worship. A significant symbol of this holiday, the Christmas tree, is often embraced without question, yet it stands as a representation of ancient practices that provoke God to jealousy, as seen in visions of future idolatry. This emblem, accepted by many, mirrors the historical appropriation of pagan customs into religious observances, blending traditions that trace back to sun deities and the winter solstice celebrations. The acceptance of such symbols reflects a broader pattern of adopting rituals that obscure their origins, aligning with festivals that once honored figures like Nimrod, deified as a sun god, on December 25.
Spirit and Truth
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe pagan origins of Christmas are well known. How can Christians practice something that has always been anti-God? Is this worshiping 'in spirit and in truth'?
Celebrating a Lie
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe true story of Jesus' birth has been syncretized into a non-Christian festival, and even that has been obscured by a wrong date and a phony crèche scene.
Syncretismas!
Article by Martin G. CollinsChristmas is a very blatant form of syncretism, the blending of diverse religious practices. The origins of Christmas testify of why we should reject it.
'Tis the Season: Help for Our Young People
Article by StaffAs another Christmas season approaches, many in God's church, including our children, dread having to endure it. We can help them understand God's way.
For the Love of the Truth
Sermonette by Ryan McClureChrist has never been in man's holidays, which are built on lies, and which teach children they cannot trust the veracity of their own parents.
Satan's Pagan Holy Days
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersNew Years, Christmas, Easter, Halloween and birthdays all originate in paganism. Satan entices many into accepting these pagan practices through emotional appeals.
To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTo keep from being swept up in the bandwagon effect of compromising with sin, we must make sure our convictions are not merely preferences.
The Second Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany fail to perceive the difference between the first and second commandments. The second commandment defines the way we are to worship the true God.
The Commandments (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIdolatry derives from worshiping the work of our hands or thoughts rather than the true God. Whatever consumes our thoughts and behavior has become our idol.
The Global Environmental Ethic (Part Two)
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsThe eco-feminist worldview despises patriarchic religions, Judaism and Christianity, trying to replace them with an environmental earth-goddess worldview.