Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Tree : The Definition & Its' History

Christmas has come and splendor was already beginning to look at several public places in each city. The houses had been started on the Christmas tree with different variations and accessories. Surely for Christians who celebrate the special day.

But this time I just want to discuss about how the Christmas tree can be part of the celebration of Christmas itself. History and relationship with the birth of Lord Jesus Christ or the Prophet Isa. Of course this I got from some trusted sources like wikipedia and so forth.
 Description of the Christmas tree itself is a kind of pine tree either real or artificial tree, adorned with various ornaments, wreaths and tinsel, or even with the lights (first candle).

The Christmas tree is usually installed in homes or church buildings, but also can be used in the open during the days around Christmas. Angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree. This is to describe the presence of the angels or the appearance of Bright Star of Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is some controversy that arose over the Christmas Tree. Some groups of people against the use of the Christmas Tree. The reason, because it considers that it is contrary to Scripture. Jeremiah 10:1-5 verses are interpreted as opposed to the use of a Christmas tree because it is a form of idolatry. There are also opinions that opposed for fear that use of the Christmas Tree will create a new religion. Even in Boston, in 2005, pine tree used to decorate the Boston Common has changed its name from "Christmas Tree" to "Holiday Tree. Although it did not last long, so his name back to "Christmas Tree". There are also some groups who do not even want to celebrate Christmas at all because it is also thought that it is idolatry.

Isaiah 55: 13, referring to the pine tree as a sign of God's fame in the celebration of eternal life, which will not be cut.
Ezekiel 47:12 and Revelation 22:2 use trees as a symbol of new life that produces fruit, compared with the story of Adam with the fruit of the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:22-23). Even the Apostle Paul makes the relationship between Adam and Christ are clearly illustrated in the book of Romans 5, that Adam was the image He is going to come. Hence, the Christmas tree can be seen as a reflection of the tree of life, and also the symbol of the sacrifice that brought redemption.

However, there are also some churches that only use a Christmas tree as decorations at Christmas time without debating its use. So, for today we are celebrating Christmas may be many who are in this group. Or we also stand on the assumption that the Christmas tree is the symbol of the Tree of Life as described above.

Even so, existing sources said that every year, approximately 36 million Christmas trees are produced in the United States, and 50 to 60 million produced in Europe. In 1998 it is estimated that Americans spend $ 1.5 billion just to buy a Christmas tree.

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