Christmas Trees in Capitol Places

Many in these approaching days of Christmas celebration are debating about allowing Christian symbols such as the Christmas tree and nativity scenes to be erected in government buildings. Among Christians there is no common agreement about the appropriateness of having a Christmas vs. Holiday tree in Washington, D.C.

So what shall I say in view of the fact that Daniel 7:13-14 foretold that Jesus Christ would receive authority and sovereign power over all peoples and nations, as He also acknowledged before His ascension (Matthew 28:18)? Across the centuries this meant that the rulers must also acknowledge His authority by supporting the church. Many Christian churches even to the current day claim the right to be so acknowledged and supported by the government. This is still the case in Scandinavia, England and other parts of Europe. However, both Norwegian and Finnish churches seem to be moving away from such ties.

Already three-quarters of a century ago my own church body, the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, adopted the following statement.

"Although both Church and State are ordinances of God, yet they must not be commingled. Church and State have entirely different aims. By the Church, God would save men, for which reason the Church is called the "mother" of believers Gal. 4:26. By the State, God would maintain external order among men, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty," 1 Tim. 2:2. It follows that the means which the Church and State employ to gain their ends are entirely different. The Church may not employ any other means than the preaching of the Word of God, John 18:11, 36; 2 Cor. 10:4.

"The State, on the other hand, makes laws bearing on civil matters and is empowered to employ for their execution also the sword and other corporal punishments, Rom. 13:4.

"Accordingly we condemn the policy of those who would have the power of the State employed "in the interest of the Church" and who thus turn the Church into a secular dominion; as also of those who, aiming to govern the State by the Word of God, seek to turn the State into a Church."

In light of the principles elucidated in the above statement, it seems clear to me that there is little reason to get worked up if the state or national governments choose not to support or sponsor the erection of a Christmas tree on public property. In fact, it may be a good thing as long as they do not interfere with the church's worship or use of the same to encourage worship.