Modern Christian Christmas Traditions

 

• The most popular modern Christian Christmas tradition is the practice of having a Christmas tree.
  Strangely, the idea of a tree for celebration in the winter started as a pagan tradition.
  Evergreen trees were associated with everlasting life, representing the eternal life offered by Christ. 
  It was common to celebrate the winter solstice, which occurs around the week of December 25th.
  Before Christianity became popular, people long used plant life that flourished in the winter as decorations, giving it special meaning.
  Many ancient people believed that evergreens had special powers to ward off witches, evil spirits, ghosts, demons, and poltergeists.
  The Germans were the first culture to embrace and start the tradition of using evergreen Christmas trees.
  They brought the tradition to America in the early 1800s.
   

• In early America, the tree-planting tradition was outlawed by the Pilgrims.
  This practice was viewed as pagan, and the Puritans considered it unholy.
  The governor actually made it a penal offense to celebrate December 25th, as well as hang any decorations during the celebration.
  Many Christian traditions have origins in pagan practices.
   

• The tree is a reminder of Jesus' crucifixion.
  To this Christian author, the tree has come to symbolize life, redemption, and salvation.
  A Christmas tree is often considered a representation of the cross on which Jesus was crucified.
  It highlights the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity's sins.
  Furthermore, it represents spiritual growth and eternal life, reminding believers of their faith and the promise of forgiveness of sin.
   

• Paul claims that Jesus' execution took place on a tree.
  Trees were popular for executions, but in the case of Jesus, such an event is unlikely.
  Most likely, the cross was an accurately milled 12" x 12" chunk of lumber.
  Carpentry was a prolific profession during the time of Jesus.
  Jesus himself was a carpenter.
   

• Tradition says the cross is made of dogwood.
  The Bible does not specify the type of wood, but the common woods of the time were dogwood, gopher, shittim wood, acacia, and cedar, as mentioned in the Bible.
  Tradition has it that the main support of the crucifixion cross was made of dogwood.
  Another traditional theory states that his body was held by cypress wood, his feet were held by cedar wood, and his hands were nailed to a crosspiece from the wood of a palm tree.
  The inscribed plaque was made of wood from an olive tree.
   

• Pine trees are the most common with a complete set of needles at Christmas.
  Using pine trees at Christmas is a natural choice and has been the tradition.

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