Christmas trees in Church?

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Well, there is a huge difference between a large established parish, and a church run by an order who takes a vow of poverty.
I would expect such to be austere and simple. But one is not better than another, they are each beautiful in their own way.
But decorating with natural elements has always been highly favored in the Church.
St. Francis gave out olive branches on Palm Sunday, not palms. People use what they have, and it’s all good.
 
tawny said:
Absolutely beautiful.
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It truly is! It is not decorated like that until after this Sunday.

It is only fitting that this day is decorated in such a spectacular fashion for the birth of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

O come let us adore him!
 
Most parishes don’t decorate for Christmas until the afternoon of the last Sunday of Advent, then it’s a huge production similar to a military operation in it’s precision.😃
 
Our parish is already decorated for Christmas and was before last Sunday, though nothing with lights is lit up yet. Many parishes decorate well before Christmas Eve even though it is not totally “liturgically correct” to do so. I think it’s done this way because they fear there won’t be enough volunteers in town the week before Christmas to get everything up in time.
 
JanetF said:
Most parishes don’t decorate for Christmas until the afternoon of the last Sunday of Advent, then it’s a huge production similar to a military operation in it’s precision.😃
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This would be ok if the church has a Daily Mass Chapel. But if there is only one sanctuary, then the Christmas decorations should not go up until after the last Advent Mass on Dec 24th.
 
And, Mass still happens.
These things are first world problems, for sure.
I really enjoy the decoration.
I also enjoy a crown of thorns during Lent.
I also enjoy Easter Lilies in the Sanctuary.

People just like to complain.
Work in a parish, and you’ll hear all kinds of things.

There probably are not enough volunteers. We frankly, have too many, and they bicker with each other about what to do. It takes a strong liturgy head to corral all those people into tasteful work. Even when the church has nothing…someone is upset.

Our pastor doesn’t allow flowers at all on most Sundays and people get really angry.
You can’t win. 🤷
 
tseleehw said:
Our parish is already decorated for Christmas and was before last Sunday, though nothing with lights is lit up yet. Many parishes decorate well before Christmas Eve even though it is not totally “liturgically correct” to do so. I think it’s done this way because they fear there won’t be enough volunteers in town the week before Christmas to get everything up in time.
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Perhaps it’s a diocesan thing, but most parishes I know if do not decorate until Christmas Eve. The only exception (like I said before) is if the parish has a daily mass chapel and the main sanctuary is only used on Sundays and Holy Days.

And I know of many parishes who actually hire a professional company to decorate for Christmas Eve, and do not rely on volunteers because of the stress.
 
phil19034 said:
Perhaps it’s a diocesan thing, but most parishes I know if do not decorate until Christmas Eve. The only exception (like I said before) is if the parish has a daily mass chapel and the main sanctuary is only used on Sundays and Holy Days.

And I know of many parishes who actually hire a professional company to decorate for Christmas Eve, and do not rely on volunteers because of the stress.
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Yes you are probably correct, it likely varies by area, I should have clarified that this was just my personal experience. Most churches I have been members of or have frequented been decorated about a week before Christmas Eve, though the parish I am now currently a member of (been a member for two years now since we moved) seems to decorate way earlier than others I know.
 
Our Archdiocese doesn’t mandate such. You guys must be up North. 😉
 
We have a tree on either side of the tabernacle and they are only decorated with white lights.

We also have a gigantic tree at the back of the nave which is decorated with ornaments and lights. It’s funny this subject came up as our pastoral council just had a discussion about the decorated tree being in the sanctuary or the community room. There were opinions for both locations but after taking a vote, and the agreement of our pastor, the decorated tree will remain in the nave but it will be smaller this year.

The trees are put up on Christmas Eve by a team of volunteers who just show up. We never have a list of people who will be helping, but we always have more than enough help.

As an aside, during Christmas a few years ago, we used to have the decorated tree by the front door of the church near the confessionals. Our pastor had just entered the church and was admiring the tree. A little girl entered from the back of the church with her parents and her eyes lit up when she saw our pastor, who was very popular with the children.

She broke into a huge grin and ran down the aisle. Our pastor stooped down to greet her with a big smile on his face, only to hear her exclaim “Cwistmas Twee! Cwistmas Twee!,” as she ran past him to the tree:D
 
LightBound said:
You didn’t read past the first couple of sentences of the article you posted, did you?
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Now there is an angry voice!!!

Of course I did and did wonder… I find it sad actually that we apparently have to “adapt” pagan stuff rather than setting our own standards,

It is a weakness and a weakening

You might think else but pagan is pagan and always will be so, Tainted.

Secular is secular too and nothing that is else belongs near the altar…

Far from being a Puritan! I love all these things BUT NOT IN CHURCH THANK YOU,
WHy not at the very back or outside? Outside all the world passing can see and love,

That is for Jesus at this time above all others…

I was in the Franciscan Friary church yesterday ,A massive tree overleaning and overshadowing the altar bedecked with all manner of junk,

The cathedral usually has two trees, one on either side of the entrance door, , Admire, then enter a Holy Place,pure of the world and its ideas, then back out again joyful as you take Jesus into the world…

But then I am a simple aged, hermit living atop an Irish mountain, for Jesus . Seek no distractions. !
 
There is a tree in the cathedral. It is decorated in purple christmas balls and is just inside the entrance. There are baskets under it. People fill them with food and presents for St Vinnies Christmas appeal.
 
Roseeurekacross said:
There is a tree in the cathedral. It is decorated in purple christmas balls and is just inside the entrance. There are baskets under it. People fill them with food and presents for St Vinnies Christmas appeal.
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Wonderful ideas…
 
SOmeone asked me why the priesi I spoke of threw the tree out, not even decorated?

He is a world renowned theologian, serving in parish work as there are needs here in Ireland for priests.

It was on theological grounds, We had a great discussion and I learned a lot and agree wholeheartedly,
 
Pax et Bonum! I was told years ago, that decorating the trees, was a celebration from the fall harvest (Octoberfest) or Thanksgiving. Then it somehow got combined with Christmas. I do agree there should not be anything ornamental or distracting near or around the altar unless it has to do with Liturgy - candles. (The Tabernacle should also be in view for all to see - not off in a hub of a corner - behind walls etc.) The tree has also become the Jesse Tree in some parishes, used to tell the story of Christmas and particularly appealing to children who participate in that during Advent Sundays. I have seen one parish have a Santa Claus come to the front of the Church, kneel, make the Sign of the Cross and leave. Then he stands at the door with a small gift for the children. It seems distasteful to me and others too! They did the same with Easter Bunny - and thank God above I & others are not there anymore - it was many years ago. The Church should be strictly reserved for Jesus and not teaching children to focus on Santa and Easter Bunny as they will do in their excitement. The Jesse Tree could be reserved for the children’s liturgy class in a separate room, then bring them out to visit Jesus in the tabernacle. These things are definitely a weakening in the Church - and sad to say, there is more…focus on God and go where people are like-minded in keeping faith, tradition and teachings - that nurture faith properly putting everything in right order. God bless! angeltime:highprayer:
 
we have 2 trees at our parish … 1 in the narthex with gift tags for the less fortunate and 1 at the front of the church… the only decorations on the one inside the church are angels and crosses made by the schoolchildren … each cross represents someone we lost this past year while each angel represents a baptism …
 
Pax! Very nice symbols for your Church and people participating! angeltime:christmastree1:
 
Rosebud77 said:
Now there is an angry voice!!!

Of course I did and did wonder… I find it sad actually that we apparently have to “adapt” pagan stuff rather than setting our own standards,

It is a weakness and a weakening

You might think else but pagan is pagan and always will be so, Tainted.

Secular is secular too and nothing that is else belongs near the altar…

Far from being a Puritan! I love all these things BUT NOT IN CHURCH THANK YOU,
WHy not at the very back or outside? Outside all the world passing can see and love,

That is for Jesus at this time above all others…

I was in the Franciscan Friary church yesterday ,A massive tree overleaning and overshadowing the altar bedecked with all manner of junk,

The cathedral usually has two trees, one on either side of the entrance door, , Admire, then enter a Holy Place,pure of the world and its ideas, then back out again joyful as you take Jesus into the world…

But then I am a simple aged, hermit living atop an Irish mountain, for Jesus . Seek no distractions. !
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:confused: No Rose, the only angry voice I see on here might be yours. I simply asked a question because you were emphasizing “pagan roots” with your comment on the link, while the rest of the article expanded far into Christian traditions,. But then, you must do what you feel is right. I hope you are able to find peace and happiness amidst all the pagan trappings you’ve been encountering. God bless you and your endeavors.
 
To people who think it’s awful:

Some people see sin in everything.

INTENT is everything.
If it is an offering to the Holy Child and the Holy Family, it is a pure, and good thing, particularly when they represent and encourage others to serve the poor, cold, and hurting.

This is what the Christ Child did. Brought hope to a dark world.
Sometimes people get caught up in academia. The Holy Spirit does not. He moves people to take a dark thing, and breathes new light and life into it.

Love never slams, never discourages, never dismisses.

Keep the tree lights twinkling people. May the light of Christ burn brightly in your hearts, and don’t fret if someone dismisses your pure intent.
❤️:christmastree1:
 
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