Please tell me what is so sinful about a Christmas Tree  |
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|  Okay, I am kind of irritated right now with my adopted mom. She takes all the fun out of everything,and expects everyone to think like she does. She says, "Thank God that He is the Judge."
There have been many years I have not had a Christmas tree, mainly because my mom died in the Christmas season (December 19th 1991) and I have been depressed every Christmas season and didn't want to even see it come around each year. Last year was the first year since 91 that we had a tree. This year, in our new house, we don't really have room for a tree in the house. So we plan on putting the tree on the side porch of the house and decorate it and the house. I think it will look really nice and help me enjoy the Christmas season this year.
My mom (not my real mom... she is dead) starts talking about Christmas trees, Santa Claus having no part in Christmas. I explained that my church has a Christmas tree and has special ornaments that only speak of Jesus.. like the fish, the cross, and other symbols. She says that is all Pagan ritual.
I know about the history of the Christmas tree, I researched it. But we have Christmas trees and give presents because it has been custom for over a thousand years. She goes on and says that the bible doesn't tell us to celebrate Christ's birthday by giving presents to everyone except Jesus. She goes on to say that it is sinful to have a Christmas tree and teach your kids about Santa.
She also said her church used to have a tree, but she got it stopped. I said something about her ruining Christmas for all the kids in the church, if not the adults. She gets mad and goes on to say so much. I said it is custom, just like Thanksgiving is a custom.... and she goes on to say it is MAN'S custom and not Gods, so therefor we are making idols and blaspheming God.
So please, tell me what is wrong with celebrating Christmas? Yes, I do believe that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season... but what is wrong with giving Christmas presents and having a tree and lights and decorations? Why is that sinful? Are people who observe Christmas with a tree and presents going to bust hell wide open? Hang on I'm on a roll with another discussion about birthdays! I'll write that as soon as I am done here.
Your thoughts?
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1.  tyc415 (4490)
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4 years ago
| |  I am glad that you are enjoying Christmas again since your mother's passing. It is hard this time of year when our parents are no longer with us. It sounds lovely where you are putting your tree and decorating the outside. As for your adopted mom? Just ask her to stay away during the Christmas season at your home so you can enjoy it again. I do think that people can have their own opinions about any holiday or any day of the week as far as that goes but you don't have to put a damper on it for everyone and don't try to throw your beliefs on me. I can't believe that she got the church to stop putting up a tree. Does her church still have a manger scene?
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 OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | I don't think they do the manger scene. I used to live with her and her church never did anything. They did dress up in red and white, and Pastor and his wife gave out apples and candy canes, and candles, but nope no tree. She doesn't celebrate Christmas, but knocks my church because we don't do communion. | | | |
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| 2. smacksman (4620)
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4 years ago
| |  Give her a hair shirt for Christmas and maybe a flagellation whip under the tree.
Sorry, but I have no time for poisonous religious fanatics. They don't just take the fun out of Christmas - they take the fun out of life.
I would off load her to the cemetary chapel with a bottle of water and let her relish in her austerity.
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | I hear ya. I love her, but she gets on my last nerve. She is SOOOOO opinionated like the rest of us are all worshiping idols. | | | |
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3.  Rozie37 (7134)
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4 years ago
| |  She was absolutely right when she said, "Thank God that he is the judge." I am not one to go around telling others how to celebrate different holidays. If asked, I will tell them my own personal feelings. But I am not enough of an authority on these matters to tell anybody what they should and should not do. One thing that I do find funny though, is when people sing to the tree.
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | Oh you mean like the song... "Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree.....?" I like the Christmas Carols. | | | |
| Rozie37 (7134)
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4 years ago
| | Christmas carols are nice, but singing to a tree is too much. I do not think that God would approve of that. That is clearly idol worship. | | | |
| CinderInMySoul (4337)
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4 years ago
| |  how in the world is Oh Christmas Tree..worshiping a false idol?!
here are the lyrics yes?
"Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely
Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely
Each year you bring to me delight, meaning in the christmas night
Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely
Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, with faithful leaves unchanging
Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, with faithful leaves unchanging
Your boughs are green, in sommers glow and do not fade in winters snow
Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, with faithful leaves unchanging
Each year you bring to me delight, meaning in the christmas night
Oh christmas tree, oh christmas tree, of all the trees most lovely
its a song about how the decorated tree is very pretty compared to all the other leafless trees during winter..and how the the tree being "unchanged" (evergreen) NEVER LOSES FAITH IN GOD.
its NOT about worshiping the tree, its about how the tree gives an example of never ending belief.
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| Rozie37 (7134)
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4 years ago
| | If we are indeed admiring the tree, should we not sing and give glory to God, the maker of the tree? It makes no sense to sing to and worship a tree. And believe me, anything can become an idol, if it takes your focus off God. | | | |
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4.  BCMike (3316)
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4 years ago
| |  The sin isn't in the tree itself. The sin is in the worship of it.
In the day where the scripture that describes the decorating of the tree was happening, people were worshipping all manner of idols. The decorating of the tree being idolized was part of it.
Today, we don't worship the tree. It is seasonal and when the season is done, POOF! Out it goes. Idolitry would be if the tree stayed up all year round and held a special place in one's life.
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | Exactly! That is the way I feel. According to her you aren't a Christian if you have a Christmas tree, because you embrace Pagan beliefs... I think she is a bit nuts myself.. or a fanatic. I love her .. but when she starts in on ruining everything that has ever been fun then I can't stand being near her. | | | |
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| 5. reinydawn (4411)
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4 years ago
| |  I know some people are verr strong in their beliefs... And they expect everyone else to be the same. I'm sorry that this is causing a rift between you and your (adopted) mom, but you must do what you feel is right for YOU.
Yes, we all know that the tree and presents has absolutely nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. As a matter of fact, neither does December 25th. This is just a time chosen by man (she is right in this respect) to HONOR his birth and all it has done for us. Out of a spirit of giving we give the gifts - and yes, from Santa Clause.
These things have evolved into tradition to mark this time when we all pretty much have a common goal - be nice to each other. I think there's nothing wrong with chosing to go with some old and some new traditions for the sake of harmony in the world.
I am anxious to check out your birthday discussion though, since my birthday is December 25!
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | Happy birthday! I see nothing wrong.. and when I try to tell her that I see nothing wrong in it she goes off. She has to be right all the time.. why can't she just live and let me live in happiness? If I am not a carbon copy of her, then I am wrong. She is the same way about my friends. My friends are second class citizens because they don't believe the way she does. | | | |
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| 6. heavenschild (1715)
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4 years ago
| |  So sorry that your "Mom" is like this!
I agree with BC Mike about the tree and as for giving gifts...I do that to bless people out of the goodness the Lord has bestowed upon me through out the year! Now, if that is sinful then why be Christian...If you can't bring a little happiness to others and especially the children!
As for Santa, my son does not get any gifts from Santa they are all from family members and Santa is just a story...He doesn't come to our house and Jesus is at the center of the celebrations!
I wish you a wonderful Christmas and would love to see a picture of your tree! I am so happy that you are having one this year!
HUGS
~Heavens~
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | I really hope the tree does get put up. It was supposed to be today that we were going to put it up, but the kids were not home today. They went to NC for over night... so maybe next week. I hope to get it up.
That is a great way to have Christmas at your house. I know some folks that do the same thing at their house .. Santa is just a story. | | | |
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7.  zukepr (11761)
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4 years ago
| | maybe its because the Christmas tree is actually a pagan tradition | | | | | | |
| smacksman (4620)
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4 years ago
| | If you look it up I think you will find it is quite a recent idea 'invented' in the Victorian age.
The festival to celibrate mid-winter on December 23 is ancient indeed. It gives me a boost to know that the days will then start to get longer! | | | |
| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | I know it is Pagan Zu.. and so is Easter... but they have become Christian traditions.. yet some, and my mom is one of them that takes issue with it and anyone who has a tree or celebrates the holiday. | | | |
| zukepr (11761)
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4 years ago
| | NO I beg to differ
The concept of the Christmas tree goes back way further than the victorian era.
Even the bible talks about Christmas trees
"Jeremiah 10:2-4: "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not." (KJV)." | | | |
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | Thank you Zu for that great information. That is the scripture that mom uses. The difference I see in now than then is that the tree is seasonal, and we don't worship it. I haven't had a tree in years except for last year. I see nothing wrong with it. I appreciate your link and I will check it out when I have time. Thank you my friend. I appreciate you. | | | |
| zukepr (11761)
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4 years ago
| | I am sorry your mom is bringing this dark shadow on your Christmas festivities
its not right of her to force her beliefs on you and judge you for having your own beliefs | | | |
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| 8. AnnieOakley1 (2645)
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4 years ago
| |  I'm with ya, Oreo. She's just too much. I couldn't take it. I would tell her off, regularly. That's just me. Not too diplomatic, but straight forward. You always know where I am coming from because I am up front about it.
Doesn't seem like there is any reasonable discussion to be had with her on the subject. Best, when she starts on a rampage again, to just tell her that it's all been said before, why waste all that energy arguing. Agree to disagree. Forcing one's beliefs on another is JUST WRONG. And she sounds like she tries to force it on you.
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | I don't really ever stand up to her much, because she throws it in my face later. She used to try to run my life when I left her home and I told her I didn't need her to boss me around. She took offense and said I said I didn't need her as a mother. She is like steel and will not bend. She is right and I am wrong.. that's all there is to it. | | | |
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| 9. jillhill (17717)
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4 years ago
| |  Well.....part of the joy of the season is the celebration....a tree? Who can put down having a Christmas tree....especially if it's part of the celebration? And Santa? He is part of history to help children understand the spirit that fills our hearts....I feel sorry for your step mom....bah humbug to her too! Don't let her spoil the spirit of the season....and by the way....maybe you should leave her out of the celebrations to remind her that she shouldn't celebrate either if that is what she really believes!
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| OreoCookie3 (22470)
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4 years ago
| | Yeah... thanks Jill. I am only talking to her now once a week due to her making it uncomfortable to have a civil conversation that isn't about idol worship! Geez! I don't plan to mention anything else to her.. if she asks... I'll answer.. and then she will start up all over again. I see her as an old grinch! | | | |
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| 10. maygodblessu44 (3479)
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4 years ago
| |  Hello my friend Oreocookie3 Ji,
I think, what your mother was after her way of thinking pertained only to expenses, to keep celbration at their higher compitive values, people simply spend more care-off religion, saying it is mendatory, it is coomonly seen in all religion, one of my brother was nver fond off spending money in many of our rituals to be conducted. We had lot of difference. After all, God believes that we all should behave like a human-beings and keep humanity alive. These occasions reminds us to go as per God. I do not think, any time Christ must have empasized to make a Christmas tree, whatever you want to make attaractive, it becomes a tree. I think, if one can bear with expenses, one should go not only for one tree, but make it a Garden. happy Chrismas in advance. may God bless you all and have a great time.
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