Christmas trees in Church?

[otjm]

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,

Not to make too fine a point of it, but the week that Humanae Vitae came out, a group of theologians publicly condemned the document…

And a whole lot of laity agree with those theologians, that Humanae Vitae was all wrong…

 

[otjm]

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

You mean that St Nicholas, in an image somewhat modified over time, came?

 

[otjm]

I didn’t vote, because none of the selections fit.

If this thread is around in a few weeks and I can either find my charger for my camera, or get someone else to take a picture, I will post a photo of the tree in our local Trappist Abbey church.

 

[ThundersnowIV]

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:

Very good. From first sentence to last.

 

[phil19034]

Our Cathedral Basilica places approx 2 Christmas trees up behind the altar on Christmas Eve. Typically, either not decorated or just with white lights. No other decorations. I think this is fine and welcomed if done on Christmas Eve.

During advent, the Cathedral Basilica has a Jesse Tree in the back of the Nave. Christmas trees should not be near the altar during Advent. The tree should go up after the last advent mass on Christmas Eve day, and before the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve

Some other parishes place a little more decoration, but still keep it from being a distraction.

UPDATE: This year, our Cathedral Basilica put up the Christmas trees earlier. I went to daily mass today, and they were up. So they went up sometime between this past Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent) and today. Perhaps the fact that Christmas Eve is a Saturday this year affected the normal timing. However, they still look very appropriate and are not distracting to Advent.

God Bless

 

[pianistclare]

there’s a difference between Christmas trees and evergreens, actually.
Nothing wrong with evergreens. I highly doubt that any Catholic church has “Christmas trees” in the sanctuary. The term “Christmas trees” calls to mind flashy decorations, tinsel, garland, bows and glass ornaments.
Those would be secular and more suited to the private home.
Evergreens and holly however have longtime religious symbolism behind them.
And certainly lights are not forbidden in church.

 

[Phemie]

there’s a difference between Christmas trees and evergreens, actually.
Nothing wrong with evergreens. I highly doubt that any Catholic church has “Christmas trees” in the sanctuary. The term “Christmas trees” calls to mind flashy decorations, tinsel, garland, bows and glass ornaments.
Those would be secular and more suited to the private home.
Evergreens and holly however have longtime religious symbolism behind them.
And certainly lights are not forbidden in church.

Oh I have seen tinsel, garland, bows, and ornaments on fake trees in the sanctuary in more than one parish.

My pet peeve are those who insist on decorating the entire church 2 weeks into Advent to “get it out of the way”.

 

[Phemie]

Why would you think they would be put up sooner?

Church decorating doesn’t ever take place anywhere until after the 4th Sunday of Advent is completed.

You obviously have never been to any of the parishes of which I’ve been a member.

 

[casslean]

UPDATE: This year, our Cathedral Basilica put up the Christmas trees earlier. I went to daily mass today, and they were up. So they went up sometime between this past Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent) and today. Perhaps the fact that Christmas Eve is a Saturday this year affected the normal timing. However, they still look very appropriate and are not distracting to Advent.

God Bless

Our decorations went up at the end of this week because that was when those of us decorating could do it. We had a parishioner comment how her last parish priest wouldn’t allow any decorations until Christmas Eve, and my response was that I was glad our priest had more consideration for his volunteers. It took the crew of people decorating two days to decorate the church, as well as the half-day it takes a half-dozen men to put up and decorate the 15 foot tree in our church. Next week is going to be crazy for everyone - I’m glad to have this off my plate.

 

[pianistclare]

You obviously have never been to any of the parishes of which I’ve been a member.

That’s for sure.

 

[Jeanne_S]

Oh I have seen tinsel, garland, bows, and ornaments on fake trees in the sanctuary in more than one parish.

My pet peeve are those who insist on decorating the entire church 2 weeks into Advent to “get it out of the way”.

My parish has been decorated since the weekend after Thanksgiving.

 

[Peebo]

It’s the season of Advent…we’re awaiting the birth of the Son of God…we should be rejoicing…not arguing about Christmas trees in church…they are part of our custom…our tradition of celebrating the coming of our Savior…to see them lit up with lights should fill us with joy that the light of the world is coming to redeem us and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father…we also have a manger in front of the Christmas trees (3 of) in our church…only a Grinch would not feel a sense of joyful anticipation.

 

[Irishmom2]

It’s the season of Advent…we’re awaiting the birth of the Son of God…we should be rejoicing…not arguing about Christmas trees in church…they are part of our custom…our tradition of celebrating the coming of our Savior…to see them lit up with lights should fill us with joy that the light of the world is coming to redeem us and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father…we also have a manger in front of the Christmas trees (3 of) in our church…only a Grinch would not feel a sense of joyful anticipation.

Exactly. The birth of Our Lord is not a contest to see who is more reverent because they have no decorations yet, or to think their preference is universal or even correct.

 

[pianistclare]

It’s the season of Advent…we’re awaiting the birth of the Son of God…we should be rejoicing…not arguing about Christmas trees in church…they are part of our custom…our tradition of celebrating the coming of our Savior…to see them lit up with lights should fill us with joy that the light of the world is coming to redeem us and reconcile us to our Heavenly Father…we also have a manger in front of the Christmas trees (3 of) in our church…only a Grinch would not feel a sense of joyful anticipation.

Amen!

 

[jas84173]

I love Christmas trees, but I think they should not be put up before December 24th. After all, they are “Christmas trees” not “Advent trees”.

I know it’s actually scary how many people think the 12th day of Christmas is Christmas Day. The Epiphany which is traditionally January 6th is the last day of Christmas.

 

[Marie5890]

I love Christmas trees, but I think they should not be put up before December 24th. After all, they are “Christmas trees” not “Advent trees”.

This is how we do it. The Christmas tree, which is off the side of the sanctuary with a crèche in front of it, is not put up until Christmas Eve.

There it remains until Epiphany.

 

[rfournier103]

I really don’t see the problem with it. They’re pretty, and festive, and don’t seem to bother anything. I also don’t have an issue with poinsettias, either.

I consider myself somewhat of a “traditional” Catholic, and I don’t see any reason to get bent out of shape about it…

 

[Megan7]

This is Irishmom’s home parish…

Gorgeous.Click on it to see the detail.

What is the name of this beautiful Church, and where is it located? I would love to visit it one day.

Thank you for posting it!

God bless you.

 

[Irishmom2]

What is the name of this beautiful Church, and where is it located? I would love to visit it one day.

Thank you for posting it!

God bless you.

Clear some space in your message box, and I will send you a pm.

 

[LightBound]

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. !

No angry voice from me and not sure why you even thought that. It was a question, simple enough. The rest of the article went on to explain how various traditions came about and how they had a Christian basis, so given that you were so quick to cry out “Pagan Roots”, I was wondering if you had read the rest of the article, given how it showed Christian roots of the Christmas tree. That’s all.