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The First Christmas Tree - ReCreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, December 7, 2025
The First Christmas Tree
Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-15
In part 1 of our Christmas 2025 series, Pastor Michael explores the surprising connection between Christmas trees and the Garden of Eden. Through historical research, he reveals that Christmas trees aren't pagan but originated from medieval "Paradise Trees" used in Adam and Eve plays. The real first Christmas tree was in Eden, where God made the first promise of a Savior who would crush the serpent's head.
Key Points
- Christmas trees originated from medieval Paradise Trees used in biblical plays, not pagan traditions
- The serpent in Eden was Satan himself, whispering the same lies he still whispers today
- Genesis 3:15 contains the first promise of Jesus - the "Protoevangelium" or "First Gospel"
- Jesus would be wounded (crucified) but would crush Satan's head in permanent defeat
- The deadly power of sin began with a tree in Eden and ended with the tree of the Cross
Main Takeaway
From the first sin, God promised a Savior. The Christmas story doesn't start in Bethlehem - it starts in Eden with God's original commitment to crush evil and redeem humanity. There is no John 3:16 without Genesis 3:15.
Memorable Quotes
- "From the first sin, God promised a Savior."
- "The first Christmas Tree goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. And it wasn't decorated with a star. It was decorated with a snake."
- "God's not interested in holding us back from good things; only from things that will ultimately be destructive."
- "What Jesus offers is not a better kind of religion. Jesus does the work, because we can't save ourselves."
- "Christmas isn't just a Baby in a manger. It's God declaring war on every lie that has ever strangled your heart."
- "The deadly power of sin began with a tree and ended with a tree. It began with the Tree in the Garden, and ended with The Cross of Christ."
Reflection Question
What lies is the serpent still whispering to you, and will you choose to believe God's promise of a Savior instead?
Tune in to hear the fascinating historical origins of Christmas trees, why aluminum foil stars and Bigfoot ornaments belong on trees, and how Genesis 3:15 is the first promise of Christmas ever given.
Connect & Give
Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org
Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly
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By Pruitt Hall
5
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The First Christmas Tree
Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-15
In part 1 of our Christmas 2025 series, Pastor Michael explores the surprising connection between Christmas trees and the Garden of Eden. Through historical research, he reveals that Christmas trees aren't pagan but originated from medieval "Paradise Trees" used in Adam and Eve plays. The real first Christmas tree was in Eden, where God made the first promise of a Savior who would crush the serpent's head.
Key Points
- Christmas trees originated from medieval Paradise Trees used in biblical plays, not pagan traditions
- The serpent in Eden was Satan himself, whispering the same lies he still whispers today
- Genesis 3:15 contains the first promise of Jesus - the "Protoevangelium" or "First Gospel"
- Jesus would be wounded (crucified) but would crush Satan's head in permanent defeat
- The deadly power of sin began with a tree in Eden and ended with the tree of the Cross
Main Takeaway
From the first sin, God promised a Savior. The Christmas story doesn't start in Bethlehem - it starts in Eden with God's original commitment to crush evil and redeem humanity. There is no John 3:16 without Genesis 3:15.
Memorable Quotes
- "From the first sin, God promised a Savior."
- "The first Christmas Tree goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden. And it wasn't decorated with a star. It was decorated with a snake."
- "God's not interested in holding us back from good things; only from things that will ultimately be destructive."
- "What Jesus offers is not a better kind of religion. Jesus does the work, because we can't save ourselves."
- "Christmas isn't just a Baby in a manger. It's God declaring war on every lie that has ever strangled your heart."
- "The deadly power of sin began with a tree and ended with a tree. It began with the Tree in the Garden, and ended with The Cross of Christ."
Reflection Question
What lies is the serpent still whispering to you, and will you choose to believe God's promise of a Savior instead?
Tune in to hear the fascinating historical origins of Christmas trees, why aluminum foil stars and Bigfoot ornaments belong on trees, and how Genesis 3:15 is the first promise of Christmas ever given.
Connect & Give
Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org
Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly