Christmas and paganism
Colin Nevin considers some Christmas traditions and reflects on biblical fact and fiction
The Christmas tree, decorated with love and attention, was the focal point of celebrations last month in many Quaker homes. And across Britain an increasing number of churches hosted ‘Christmas tree festivals’. Many raised funds for charity.
This all sounds laudable from a secular point of view, but what does the Bible say about decorating trees and other seasonal traditions? It may surprise some to know that many modern practices are directly linked to paganism. The church is supposed to be ‘without spot or wrinkle’. In other words, it shouldn’t be rubbing shoulders with paganism in any form and this applies to most of the evergreen shrubbery that so many use to decorate their homes at Christmas. The holly, ivy, mistletoe and Yule log are all pagan symbols connected with the worship of false gods, or of nature itself, but not of God.
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