Is it ok for believers to have a Christmas tree? With all its pretty lights, garland, tinsel, ornaments and presents doesn’t the tree distract us from Jesus lying in a manger? As Christmas approaches, are we dreaming of Christ’s birth some 2,000 years ago whom brought the world peace, joy and reconciliation with a holy God or are we busy dreaming about the material gifts we are about to receive that brings us happiness for a few hours, days or weeks? To keep from being caught up in the world’s “commercial Christmas” should believers throw out their trees and refuse to buy any gifts? If this is the only way, we can focus on Christ on His birthday then the answer is YES this is exactly what we must do. A better approach would be to redeem Christmas by seeing the cross in the tree and gifts as an extension of our love for one another.