Scripture Forbids Christmas Trees

Lindsay, Jesus may have created the New Covenant, but Old Testament rulings (that weren't disputed within the New Testament itself) still abide. Otherwise, why do Christians still honor the Ten Commandments? Also, idoltry and the worship of other gods are strictly forbidden within the Ten Commandments. The origins of the Christmas tree and the entire "Christ"mas celebration is rooted within the worship of various sun gods. The very first documentation of a celebration close to our modern Christmas was back during the time of Nimrod, the man who built many great cities – including Babel. Upon his death, he was elevated to the status of sun god – known as Nimrod, Baal, and various other names throughout different cultures over time. Semiramis, Nimrod's widow, then gave birth to an illegitimate child. She claimed he was Nimrod incarnate and named him Nimrod Tammuz. She claimed her son was the promised savior. The birth of Tammuz was celebrated on December 25th. Again quite familiar, right? Christmas, when it was declared by the Roman Catholic Church in the 4th century to be celebrated on December 25th, fell remarkably close to a couple of very popular Roman Pagan holidays of the time – Saturnalia and the feast of Deus Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun God). Saturnalia was celebrated between December 17 and 23. Some traditions of this holiday included decorating a living evergreen tree with bits of metal, replicas of Bacchus (the god of celebration and fertility, among other things), and 12 candles in honor of the Deus Sol Invictus, using evergreen clippings to decorate their homes, feasting, and gift giving. The Feast of Deus Sol Invictus was celebrated on December 25th. It was a feast honoring the sun god. The Romans noticed how each day closer to the winter solstice the daylight hours would be fewer. The people feared the sun god would no longer light the world. So, to honor him, they held a large feast each year. The Roman Catholic Church allowed very few of the Roman's traditions from Saturnalia and the feast of Deus Sol Invictus to be incorporated into Christmas celebrations. They strictly forbade the decoration of evergreen trees and the use of evergreen clippings to decorate one's home. They felt the association between evergreens and paganism was far too strong. Now more on the Germanic people. During the conversion of the Germanic people, Christians found it to be much easier to allow them to continue celebrating a Christian reinterpretation of Yule. The only difference is that the festival was now to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Yule was Germanic people's celebration of the winter solstice – December 25th (Julian Calendar). Some traditions of this holiday included decorating a cut evergreen tree with fruit and candles, hanging mistletoe and holly, the slaughtering/sacrificing (and eventual consumption) of a boar, the passing of the wassail bowl, and the Yule log. Many attribute the first "Christmas Tree" to Martin Luther, but the first recorded "Christmas Tree" wasn't until 60 years after his death. Most historians now consider the Martin Luther story a myth – like most Christmas stories (ie, Santa Claus, Christkindle, Christmas Spider, etc.). However, it helped popularize the Christmas Tree for German Christians. The Victorian era first popularized the Christmas Tree to English Christians and eventually to American Christians, mostly due to Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert who was German born. Throughout history, many fundamental Christian sects individuals have opposed the Christmas customs popularized by the Romans and Germanic Pagans. I could go into far greater detail regarding this issue, but I fear I will end up forgetting to fix my fiance dinner if I don't stop now! I hope to read your rebuttal soon! Masterworks, My best friend sent me this picture quite a while ago. I don't know where its from, but I like it. I chose to use it because there was nothing else on my computer I could use, since it would be unwise for me to put a picture of myself. So, I will use whatever avatar I see fit. Also, may I remind you that when you joined Debate.org you agreed to not partake in personal attacks.