It's that time of the year when some parents are troubled about what to do - Christmas tree: to be or not to be? What is the right thing to do? Isn't Christmas of pagan origins, and is more commercialized than spiritually sound? Recently a young mother said to me "but the Bible says that we can't have the Christmas tree." You know my answer - "Really?" So, the husband fixed it - "It's in the Spirit of Prophecy." This time my "Really?" was even stronger!
I understand that there are certain cultural preferences and traditions that determine right and wrong for many. And we don’t want to impose on your cultural beliefs. However, as Adventists we live free from cultural inhibitions and walk in the liberty of the Spirit.
I encourage you to read Chapter 77 in the book Adventist Home by Ellen G. White. Here I would simply quote a few short excerpts from it.
This Day Not to Be Ignored. As the 25th of December is observed to commemorate the birth of Christ, as the children have been instructed by precept and example that this was indeed a day of gladness and rejoicing, you will find it a difficult matter to pass over this period without giving it some attention. It can be made to serve a very good purpose. (478)
The Interchange of Gifts as Tokens of Affection.-- old and young are intently studying what they can bestow upon their friends as a token of affectionate remembrance. It is pleasant to receive a gift, however small, from those we love. It is an assurance that we are not forgotten, and seems to bind us to them a little closer. (478-479) talking about Loving Relationships!!! (my comment)
By the world the holidays are spent in frivolity and extravagance, gluttony and display…. But it is our privilege to depart from the customs and practices of this degenerate age; and instead of expending means merely for the gratification of the appetite or for needless ornaments or articles of clothing, we may make the coming holidays an occasion in which to honor and glorify God. (480)
God would be well pleased if on Christmas each church would have a Christmas tree on which shall be hung offerings, great and small, for these houses of worship... There is no particular sin in selecting a fragrant evergreen and placing it in our churches, but the sin lies in the motive which prompts to action and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree. (482)
Christmas and New Year celebrations can and should be held in behalf of those who are helpless. God is glorified when we give to help those who have large families to support. (482)
So, let me put it this way - pastor's kids (yeah, the PKs) have set their tree with Jesus manger beside it, reminding them that Jesus is coming back again, and we are one year closer to it.
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