"Do not learn the way of the Gentiles... the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax.They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple... they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves... do not be afraid of them [the trees], for they cannot do evil, nor can they do good." (Jeremiah 10:1-5)

Fact: Modern Christmas trees have nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Fact: Modern Christmas trees have everything to do with the ways of the heathen.

Fact: The ancient pagans set these trees up for purposes of worship.

Fact: Modern Christmas trees are not set up for worship.

So where does that lead us? To the same place the apostle Paul led the early Christians. It's a matter for individual believers to decide, based on the principles of knowledge and of love.

Paul had to deal with the first century practice of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols (I Corinthians 8). The facts of the case are similar. Something originally intended for pagan worship now being used for personal benefit. Are we not free? There is no such thing as another god. Yes, demons are behind these false gods, but I personally have no connection to demons, and that meat simply is added to my body, not my soul. I know that!

But not everyone in Paul's day knew that. Some truly believed they were eating at the table of demons. And to see other believers boldly stuffing their faces would cause them to backslide. Paul says, love demands you not offend such a brother by your boldness.

Today it's the tree. The tree to which pagans once offered worship. Some want nothing to do with it! No problem. But you say, I know better. I'm not worshiping that tree. I like the smell of pine and the beauty of the ornaments and the coziness of the lights.