What about Christmas Decorations in Church?
- Thread starter Phil D.
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Kim G
Puritan Board Junior
I personally don't care to have decorations in the sanctuary. We are there to worship every week, regardless of what holiday coming up. And some of the members of our church do not celebrate Christmas, so I wouldn't want to cause discomfort at our place of worship! I don't mind winter decorations in our fellowship room, though. We eat lunch together every Sunday, and we might have poinsettias and evergreen in the winter just like we have other season-appropriate decorations the rest of the year.
SolaScriptura
Puritanboard Brimstone
"Here I am alone in the library and apparently everyone has gone from Machen Hall until Friday morning. Now it is 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. You may think this dismal. Well, I love it. It is a delightful change from the usual stir. I have had two good days in the Library. Monday was taken up with committee meetings, forenoon and afternoon. I hope to be here all day tomorrow. I have not even accepted a dinner engagement for what they call ‘Christmas.’ I hate the whole business."
—John Murray (professor, Westminster Seminary, Orthodox Presbyterian Church), “Letter to Valerie Knowlton, Dec. 24, 1958,” in Collected Writings, Vol. 3 (1958).
Sounds like an anti-social grinch.
Skyler
Puritan Board Graduate
So is wall paint.
Phil D.
ὁ βαπτιστὴς
Personally I could do without any "seasonal" decorations anywhere in the church. Having said that, I don't see any direct theological grounds on which to oppose them (although I would be willing to be shown if someone thinks there is). As such this is not really a battle that I'm prepared to fight.
Poimen
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
I don't think we share the same definition of 'cultural' if you think wall paint is included in that definition. Many cultures use paint in many different ways but paint itself is not, in my understanding and usage of the term 'cultural' or idiosyncratic to any one group of people in the world. Nevertheless wall paint has the helpful function of extending the life of our sanctuaries and thus would fall under the eight commandment. If, however, someone used wall paint to make a picture of Jesus we would have a different use and a violation of the second commandment.
Christmas and its attendant decorations do not contribute to the upkeep of the building. They are a cultural practice i.e. akin to placing an American flag in the sanctuary. They have nothing to do with the business of the church and, in fact, communicates adherence to something that is not representative of Christianity (even if you agree with the remembrance of Christ's birth on December 25).
Tripel
Puritan Board Senior
Is "contribute to the upkeep of the building" your standard for what is allowed in a place of worship?
If you draw the line at building upkeep and basic human needs, that is fine. I would imagine, however, that most people who are anti-Christmas decorations will allow for other decorative items in a sanctuary. Like a stained glass window, a floral arrangement, decorative light fixtures, etc.
seajayrice
Puritan Board Sophomore
Careful with trees and wreaths, there is a high potential for allergens to pollute the sanctuary. I do like understated decoration in the sanctuary, certainly no Santa Claus images.
Phil D.
ὁ βαπτιστὴς
In all fairness on this issue, most trees and wreathes that I see these days are artificial (...maybe in more ways than one...)
seajayrice
Puritan Board Sophomore
Rich Koster
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
Our feeble minds wander and are distracted enough. Why hang ornaments and add to the distraction. BTW GO GRINCH!!!
Southern Presbyterian
Puritan Board Doctor
JonathanHunt
Puritan Board Senior
We have a big fat santa in the pulpit... no wait, that's me.
Mushroom
Puritan Board Doctor
Are they elements of worship or incidental? Do we need the light or warmth from the advent candle to properly worship God? If not, then they take on the mantle of elements of worship, and are popish.
My Church does the candles. Has a nativity wall hanging in the fellowship hall (stood by it and read the WLC question and asnswer #109 in the presence of the Pastor and a RE the other day, got sheepish grins). I just leave it at that - more would escalate into division... they know my stand, and as a layman, I take into account this from question #108 -
My Church does the candles. Has a nativity wall hanging in the fellowship hall (stood by it and read the WLC question and asnswer #109 in the presence of the Pastor and a RE the other day, got sheepish grins). I just leave it at that - more would escalate into division... they know my stand, and as a layman, I take into account this from question #108 -
Reformed Roman
Puritan Board Freshman
It could possibly add to the distraction I suppose, but if so why not have a completely white room?
I see nothing with the decorations. The key is how the Pastor approaches his sermons, and how the church approaches their classes, and how they teach concerning Christmas
I see nothing with the decorations. The key is how the Pastor approaches his sermons, and how the church approaches their classes, and how they teach concerning Christmas
Backwoods Presbyterian
Puritanboard Amanuensis
Somewhat interestingly we have wreaths on our doors but do not break the usual pattern of the other 52 Lord's Days in the Year.
The Elders figured people might think they were closed if they did not at least put wreaths on the doors. Makes sense to me.
The Elders figured people might think they were closed if they did not at least put wreaths on the doors. Makes sense to me.
Phil D.
ὁ βαπτιστὴς
Backwoods Presbyterian
Puritanboard Amanuensis
I suppose we could get a neon sign...
Phil D.
ὁ βαπτιστὴς
Well, I was actually thinking more along the lines of a current service schedule or something...but I suppose it could be in neon as well.
N. Eshelman
Puritan Board Senior
I think fake flowers/trees/etc is tacky.
I think Christmas is even more tacky.
With that said...
We have poinsettias in the auditorium (and fellowship hall) during the month of December. We are about 50/50 for Xmas and no Xmas in our congregation; and the poinsettias don't bother me one bit. We have seasonal flowers all year long provided by one or two members of the church.
This may be the extent of the Xmas discussion for the year.... and no, we don't celebrate it in our home.
I think Christmas is even more tacky.
With that said...
We have poinsettias in the auditorium (and fellowship hall) during the month of December. We are about 50/50 for Xmas and no Xmas in our congregation; and the poinsettias don't bother me one bit. We have seasonal flowers all year long provided by one or two members of the church.
This may be the extent of the Xmas discussion for the year.... and no, we don't celebrate it in our home.
Edward
Puritanboard Commissioner
No, not Neon. Get one of the new computerized LED signs.
Marrow Man
Drunk with Powder
Perhaps we also start a "I'm a better Puritan than you" thread. Whoever doesn't paint their walls probably will win this one.
Now I'm waiting for someone to tell me that my wig powder is a violation of the RPW.
Curt
Puritan Board Graduate
The RPW Inspection Team is winging its way to you at this very moment.
Tim, I don't know if it's a violation of the RPW, but I've heard the DEA wants to talk to you about the powder you use.
Sent using my most excellent Android device.
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