This is Week Thirty Nine of Giford's Bible Study Programme.

Thus saith the LORD, 'Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.'

- Jeremiah 10:2-4

Length: 3/5

Controversy: 0/5

This verse is clear: decoration of trees for worship is a pagan custom, and expressly forbidden. The first part at least is entirely true; the idea of a 'Christmas tree' comes from the Norse midwinter festival, and was linked to spirit worship. The leaving of gifts under a sacred tree was originally to honour the spirit of the tree.