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California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · OAKLAND, CAL. · Dec 31, 1874

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 1, No. 12.

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To Correspondents.

By John Norton Loughborough

A BROTHER writes to know if we think it is right for our seventh-day brethren to go to Christmas trees in the popular churches of the day.
In reply, we would say, while it is not our prerogative to be conscience for other people, it has seemed to us that the way many of these popular Christmas trees are conducted it was no place for a Christian to be. I see no harm in a gathering of Christians with their children either in their own house or at the church, for the distribution of useful presents, even from a tree denominated "Christmas tree;" but when it is turned into a young theater, we beg to be excused from participating, or witnessing.
Before me lies an account of one of these Christmas church festivals just passed in San Francisco. Christ was personified in a little child as follows : ‘“Christ child” appeared in the form of a little fairy, dressed in white. While she was making an address a white dove fluttered in, bringing a written letter from Santa Claus, which she read aloud. The next tableau disclosed the Christ child seated in the top of a Christmas tree, and a number of wondering children standing gazing at her. Santa Claus appeared, and the tree was soon despoiled of its fruits. Dancing then commenced to the accompaniment of Ballenberg’s band, and was continued till the wee hours.”
A good rule in such things is, “Where Christ is not, I cannot be.” J. N. L.