there’s something reassuring looking out to see Mrs. E’s Christmas tree sparkling brightly in the inky darkness. Mrs. E is a wonderful neighbor, always available to pray together when necessary. Sometimes she is visited by angels. She used to hop the fence and traverse the neighbor’s yard to visit me but then a new fence went up that is too high…
As long as the Christmas tree is sparkling, so is she!
I’m such a fan of what I call “fairy lights”. ✨
Decorating trees is a long pagan custom. XMas is a pagan celebration of the winter solstice. There is not one scrap of proof Jesus was born during this pagan celebration.
XMas trees weren't even in vogue until the 1700s. Prior to this no Christian erected them in their homes. So they are not an ancient Christian custom.
This is what it says in the bible in regard to decorating trees :
Jeremiah 10 :
For the customs of the peoples are vain and worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.
There is more in this chapter of Jeremiah regarding this if you care to read it.
I am not saying don't use your own judgment. Just know what God told Jeremiah to say.
I am not saying I don't like pretty shiny things. I do.
I'm saying not all shiny pretty things are always good. And I don't believe we can change the meaning of things to whatever we like. Though we try at times. XMas is one of those times. imo. The greater damage is subtle. In joining pagan holidays and practices to Jesus, we practice a pagan ritual and distract our focus from Him. To our own detriment. imo.
Wet blanket? Perhaps. Calling it as I understand it? Most assuredly.
All glory to God. Thank you, Jesus.