As December rolls in and lights start twinkling in homes and churches, one symbol of the season rises in many living rooms across the world, a Christmas tree. It’s beautiful, festive, and often holds sweet memories of childhood, family, and faith. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Where does it talk about Christmas trees in the Bible?”, you’re not alone.
Many sincere believers have asked this question, hoping to understand whether this tradition is rooted in Scripture, or if it stands apart. As your friend and pastor in Christ, let’s gently unpack this together. We’ll explore Scripture, history, and how we can honor the Lord in every tradition we bring into our homes.
The Bible and Trees: Starting From the Beginning
Trees play a beautiful role throughout Scripture.
The Garden of Eden begins with the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:9).
In Psalms, the righteous are compared to trees: “He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water…” (Psalm 1:3).
Jesus Himself was crucified on a wooden cross, what the New Testament even calls “a tree” (Acts 5:30).
So trees in general aren’t a problem in the Bible. In fact, they often symbolize life, growth, and righteousness. But what about a decorated evergreen tree at Christmas?
What Does Jeremiah 10 Say About Trees?
One of the most frequently cited passages is Jeremiah 10:1–5. Let’s read it together:
“For the customs of the peoples are vanity. A tree from the forest is cut down and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it cannot move…”
, Jeremiah 10:3–4, ESV
This passage certainly sounds like it could be describing a Christmas tree, doesn’t it? But we need to read carefully and in context.
🔎 What’s Really Happening Here?
Jeremiah isn’t talking about modern holiday decor. He’s condemning idol worship. The people of that time were cutting down trees, carving them into images or gods, and then decorating them with precious metals to worship them.
The key part is in verse 5:
“Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk.”
This shows Jeremiah is speaking against idols, not festive trees with lights and ornaments.
So, Are Christmas Trees in the Bible?
No, Christmas trees are not directly mentioned in the Bible. There is no verse where Jesus, Paul, or any apostle endorses or sets up a Christmas tree.
But there’s also no verse that specifically condemns having a decorated tree as part of your home during the season we celebrate Christ’s birth, as long as it’s not used in worship or replacing the true meaning of Christmas.
Where Did the Christmas Tree Tradition Come From?
The origin of the Christmas tree is not biblical, but historical.
Ancient Europe: Evergreen trees were used by pagan cultures to celebrate the winter solstice, symbolizing life in the dead of winter.
Germany (1500s): Many scholars believe the Christian use of Christmas trees began here. Martin Luther is often credited with adding lighted candles to a tree to reflect the stars shining over Bethlehem.
America & England (1800s): The tradition spread, especially after Queen Victoria was depicted with a Christmas tree in her home.
So yes, its roots include pagan customs, but its use in modern Christianity is far from those early meanings for most families.
❝ It’s not where the tradition came from, it’s what it means to you today that matters. ❞
What Do Christmas Trees Have to Do With Christianity?
This is where things get personal.
For many Christian families, the Christmas tree has become a symbol of joy, of light in darkness, and of gathering together in love during the season of Christ’s birth. The tree itself may not be biblical, but what we do around it can be deeply faith-filled:
Reading the story of Jesus’ birth near the tree.
Placing a star or angel on top to remember the heavenly announcement.
Hanging Bible verse ornaments or crosses on the branches.
Using the tree as a backdrop for prayer, gratitude, or family worship.
Should Christians Use a Christmas Tree?
This is a heart question. And like many things not directly commanded or forbidden in the Bible, the answer is one of personal conviction.
Let’s look at what Romans 14:5–6 says:
“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind… he who observes the day, observes it to the Lord…”
Paul reminds us: Some traditions are okay, as long as we’re doing them for the Lord, not in place of Him.
A Biblical Way to Look at Holiday Traditions
Here are three good heart-check questions for any tradition, including the Christmas tree:
Does it lead me toward Jesus, or away from Him?
Is it honoring God, or glorifying the world?
Can I thank God for it with a clear conscience?
If your tree is simply a way to bring your family together, to shine light during a dark season, or to point to the light of Christ, you are likely walking in freedom, not disobedience.
But if it distracts, consumes, or tempts you into materialism or replaces Jesus in your heart, it may be time to re-evaluate.
Redeeming the Tree: Making It About Jesus
If you decide to include a tree in your home, here are a few ideas to make it Christ-centered:
1. Add Scripture Ornaments
Include Bible verses like Luke 2:11 or Isaiah 9:6. Let the tree preach!
2. Use a Star or Angel Topper
The star represents the one that led the wise men to Christ. The angel reminds us of the heavenly choir.
3. Light It With Purpose
When you plug in the lights, say a prayer thanking Jesus for being the Light of the World (John 8:12).
4. Give Beneath the Tree
Let the gifts you give reflect the love and humility of the greatest Gift, Jesus.
Final Thoughts from a Pastor’s Heart
Dear reader, I’ve spoken to many believers over the years about this very topic. Some feel uneasy because of what they read in Jeremiah. Others are afraid of bringing paganism into their homes. Still others just want to know how to honor Christ best.
I encourage you: God sees your heart. Whether you have a Christmas tree or not, the most important question is, Is Jesus the center of your celebration?
The Christmas tree is not in the Bible. But the Tree of Life is.
And the cross, shaped from a tree, is where our salvation was won.
Let’s not make the tree the center. Let’s make sure Jesus is.
