RE: [TruthTalk] Christmas Trees

[ShieldsFamily]

Laura,   Can we hold off on the discussion of nativity sets until we have resolved this Christmas tree issue first? Do you really think that “what is pagan for some may not be pagan for others??? Isn’t this a classic example of humanistic moral relativism? The main question is not what someone “feels” is pagan.  (God doesn’t really care about our feelings when judgment day arrives, does He?) The question should be, I think, what does the Lord say is pagan? Can we discuss it from that angle? Ideas, anyone? How do we discover whether or not the Lord considers having a Christmas tree is an ungodly practice from the Lord’s point of view? Marlin has brought up this issue several times, and I think it would be a good thing to discuss as a group.   Izzy   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 11:50 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Fwd: [TruthTalk] Christmas Trees   Below is more from the site Marlin recommended.  Note that it also mentions the fruitlike tree from the garden of Eden.  Interesting that it is also mentioned in the article I posted.  Personally I think that if someone feels a Christmas Tree is pagan and if it doesn't represent the "symbols" associated with Christmas then it is wrong for them to have a tree.  I like the tree as a symbol and the lights and ornaments and other decorations.  In no way am I intending to put down Marlin.  My intent is only to point out that what is pagan for some may not be pagan for others.   Question:  Would any of you consider Nativity sets idols?  Just curious.  Laura     During the Middle Ages, the Germans believed the evergreen trees were especially imbued with life since they remained green throughout all of winter. Greenery was prominent in pagan winter celebrations in honour of the tree spirit or spirit of fertility. The Romans trimmed the trees with trinkets and toys at that time of year. The Druids tied gilded apples to tree branches. For many, a tree decorated with orbs and fruit-like object symbolised the tree of life in the garden of Eden.