Angels singing, shepherds, wise men bearing gifts, a manger with Jesus, kingship, and a bright star are described in the accounts of the birth of Jesus and all make great symbols for Christmas. But why use decorated trees, bells, wreaths, and other symbols when these objects are not in the Gospels of Matthew or Luke? Because using such cultural objects reflects much of what Paul did and preached.

The early Christians lived among cultures that observed different cultures, and Paul advised them, in 1 Corinthians 10:31:

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.” (KJV)

Paul, in Acts 16, 17:23-31, used a statue to an unknown god that people would have considered an idol, to enlighten people in Athens about the true God. He harnessed the power of imagery to build bridges to share faith.

These are reminders that what matters is our purpose, focus, and using what’s around us to share faith. Yes, in Jeremiah 10, God spoke against creating carvings of idols from trees and trees being used as idols. But, trees are mentioned more than any other planted living thing, and in Hosea 14:8, God compared Himself to the evergreen tree:

O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like a luxuriant cypress; From Me comes your fruit.

God answers us with His own evergreen tree analogy. He does not tell us to banish trees from our lives, only to banish the worship of idols. Using one to hold symbols of faith, filled with lights, to discuss God’s attributes provides opportunities to honor God and focus on Jesus, the Light of the World. That Christmas is close to the Jewish Festival of Lights is symbolically fitting.

Let’s reflect on ways to use symbols and decorations at Christmas to focus more on reasons to celebrate Jesus:

• Christmas trees reflect God’s creation, God himself, and the fact that Joseph was a carpenter. It’s also interesting that Jesus came from the family of Judah, Jesse, and David. We consider that to be a family tree. Talk about your family tree and being grafted into God’s family tree (Romans 11:1-24). Add an ornament with each person’s name or photo to express thanks for being part of God’s family.
  
• Lights and candles that glow with bright colors are reminders that we are called to be lights, as written in Matthew 5:14-16. God calls us, people of many colors, to shine brightly. Rejoice in colorful light displays and chat about how you can let your faith shine through actions and words.

• Zechariah 14:20 describes bells of horses inscribed with the words, “Holy to the Lord.”  Psalm 150 shares how praising God is accompanied with musical sounds of trumpets, harps, lyres, timbrels, and cymbals. Music and songs are instruments for worship that bring joy. Sing carols or go caroling, and ring bells on Christmas morning.

• Christmas stockings can be filled. Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist is part of the account of the birth of Jesus, with John in the womb, an unborn child, being the first to leap with joy when Jesus in the womb drew near. God filled Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41). Fill stockings with items that bring smiles. As you remove items connect each one with how God fills you with love or the Holy Spirit fills you with wisdom and the fruit of the Spirit. Batteries for God’s power, sweets for the sweetness of God’s Word that brings joy, or socks that warm us as reminders that God’s love warms our hearts.

• Special breads and cookies made with the finest flour remind us that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and his birth took place in Bethlehem which means house of bread. Break bread and share cookies as reminders we are called to be one body because there is one bread (1 Corinthians 10:17).

• Gifts were given to the young Christ and 1 Corinthians 9:15 names Jesus, a gift of love from God the Father, as our most indescribable gift. Give wondrous gifts to celebrate and discuss the fact that Jesus is our greatest gift.

• Christmas villages and train sets, unlike the nativity figures, are not part of the original scene. Yet, John 3:16 clearly states God sent Jesus to all the world, and Matthew 28:20 reminds us to share faith everywhere. Pray for the means to go and for people around the world when admiring colorful villages and trains.

• Wreaths form a circle that symbolize God’s eternal love. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NKJV) Form a wreath of hugs to celebrate God’s love.

• Garlands are decorative in the Bible as well as symbols of wisdom, honor, and victory.  Reflect on Isaiah 28:5 “On that day, the Lord of heavenly forces will be a splendid garland and a beautiful wreath for the people who survive, are reminders of victory and honor.” (CEB) Wrap the tree in a garland to honor Christ.

• Christmas greeting cards send thoughts of love and peace to others. This reflects the angel’s message of greeting to Mary in Luke 1:28 “Gabriel appeared to her [Mary] and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!”. (RSV) The angels in Luke 2:14 proclaimed peace to men of good will. Send cards to friends and family to share peace and joy.

• Snow is a symbol of purity in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 51:6  Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (NLT) Make paper snowflakes or enjoy snowy white ice cream as you talk about forgiveness.

• The colors of green and red reflect growth and the blood of Jesus that He would later shed.

We don’t worship decorations, but rejoice that each symbol and decoration can glorify God, and you can use them as talking points to share your faith.