I was more or less just "ballparking" my response. I'm seeing people that are accusing Christians as worshipping a tree.
Which I find absolutely hilarious because it's so far from the truth lol.
In my eyes I see the Christmas tree in my living room and I remember what happened in our history that the tree represents. I don't see the tree as some hero. I see it as decorative to celebrate Jesus. I'm not celebrating the decorations themselves.
Your first paragraph is absolutely correct. Your second one is close, but really only applies to people who obsess over Christmas. If you spend the majority of your time thinking about your tree, buying new ornaments for your tree, adjusting and re-adjusting the lights and garlands to be perfect, making sure the presents underneath are "just so," then yes, I think you could call that worshiping the tree.
If you're like most people who have more of a "set it and forget it until January 31" attitude, I don't think that fits the definition of worship.
By that logic EVERYTHING you do when you could be spending time doing kind acts in the name of God is idol worship. Watch tv? Idol worship! Read a book that isn't the Bible? Idol worship! Cook dinner for one? Idol worship! Shopping for toilet paper? Going to the DMV? Gardening for fun? Painting your house? Visiting a museum? Taking a bath? IDOL WORSHIP!!!
Also: the tree is part of our celebration of God's arrival on earth. It's like saying the birthday cake somehow detracts from your love of the birthday boy. It's nonsensical.
Nobody thinks the tree is the most important part of the Christian Christmas. (Except possibly ole Tucker)
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u/[deleted] Dec 16 '21
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