JOSEPH W. TKACH
November 1987
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your recent inquiry about the relationship
between Jeremiah 10:2-5 and the Christmas tree.
Jeremiah was inspired to write: "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. They are upright as the palm tree, but
speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be
not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it
in them to do good."
Although these scriptures picture the carved idols of
Jeremiah's time, they are also an accurate description of the
Christmas tree we are familiar with today. The practice Jeremiah
wrote about was a CUSTOM (verse 3) and was associated with "the
signs of heaven" (verse 2) -- just as Christmas today is a custom
and is associated with the winter solstice. People today do not
normally associate Christmas with the winter solstice, but that
does not change its pagan origin.
Even though these scriptures no doubt had an application to
the customs practiced some 2500 years ago, we must keep in mind
that the book of Jeremiah is PRIMARILY prophetic. Just as with
other prophecies, this was written for our time, to our people,
and referring to the common customs of the modern world!
We should especially note that cutting down and setting up a
tree is termed "the way of the heathen." We are commanded not to
learn or follow that way (verse 2). This whole passage clearly
tells us that using a tree in this manner is idolatry. The basic
commandment against idolatry, of course, is found in Exodus
20:4-6.
Our booklet THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS contains information
about the origin of Christmas and its customs. We would be
pleased to send you a copy free upon your request.
Whenever we can be of further service, we hope you will let
us know.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL