Overview
Lecture explores why Christians practice certain Christmas traditions, focusing on the evergreen (Christmas) tree.
Traces historical origins, theological symbolism, and biblical connections from Genesis to Revelation.
Argues the tree symbolizes the gospel narrative: fall (one tree), incarnation (manger/tree), crucifixion (cross/tree), and restoration (tree of life).
Early church celebrated December 25 based on belief Jesus was conceived March 25, born December 25 (Hippolytus, 200–250 AD).
Roman solstice festivals (e.g., Sol Invictus) moved to December 25 in 274 AD by emperor to unite empire.
Medieval European practice: evergreen trees used in public squares and churches by 15th–16th centuries.
Early Christian tradition called it the "Paradise tree"; used in plays and teaching the gospel visually.
Symbolizes life and renewal during the darkest time of year.
Multiple symbolic uses:
Triangular shape used to teach the Trinity.
Decorated as "Paradise tree" in plays illustrating Fall → Cross → Tree of Life.
Apples (or fruit) hung on the tree to represent the forbidden fruit from Genesis.
Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2–3)
God’s command: do not eat; disobedience brought sin and spiritual death.
One man (Adam), one tree, one disobedient act caused humanity’s sinful nature.
Immediate effects: shame, guilt, fear, and separation from God.
Punishments: serpent cursed; increased pain and toil for humans; eventual physical death.
First prophecy of Messiah announced in Genesis 3:15 (enmity between serpent and woman’s offspring).
Manger / Incarnation (Nativity passages)
Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6–7 prophesy the Messiah’s birth and titles.
Matthew, Mark, Luke: accounts of Jesus’ birth (Emmanuel — God with us).
Early church linked the decorated Paradise tree (apples) on Dec 24 with celebrating Jesus’ birth Dec 25.
Cross (Tree of Crucifixion)
The wood of the cross symbolizes sacrificial atonement.
Leviticus 17:11: blood makes atonement.
Romans 5: one man’s disobedience brought condemnation; one man’s obedience (Christ) brings justification.
Galatians 3:13: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree” — Christ became curse to remove curse.
Hebrews: forgiveness requires shedding of blood; substitutionary atonement (Christ lived sinless life, died for sinners).
Tree of Life (Revelation 22)
Promise of restoration: river of life, trees bearing fruit monthly, leaves for healing nations.
No more curse; access to the tree of life granted to those who wash robes by faith.
The tree motif completes the gospel arc: Garden (beginning), Cross (middle), New Jerusalem (end).
Rituals/traditions must be understood (the “why”) to avoid empty practice.
Christian appropriation of some symbols does not equal pagan endorsement; meaning depends on intent and teaching.
The evergreen tree, though present in pagan practices, was used by Christians for gospel teaching and symbolism.
Central Christian claim: salvation is through Jesus alone — grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9; John 3:16; Romans 3:25).
The gospel is a narrative of reversal: one man’s sin brought curse; Christ’s obedience and sacrifice bring righteousness and access to life.
