Christmas Symbols

Tree Evergreen tree was chosen as Christmas tree. Why? Evergreen never shed unlike deciduous trees like maple. It symbolizes that God is eternal. Psalm 90:2 - Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Tree symbolizes what? Tree symbolizes the cross. I Peter 2:24 - Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

A tree has three corners. It symbolizes Trinity. A Christmas tree is derived from the so-called paradise tree from German plays. The use of trees began in 17 th century in Strassburg, France before it spread to Germany and the rest of the Europe. German immigrants brought Christmas trees in Pennsylvania during the colonial period.

Lights Martin Luther saw the trees with snow shining from moon. Then he went home and put candles on the branches of the tree. What does light symbolize? Jesus Christ John 8:12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Star or Angel What does star or angel symbolize? They symbolize guidance and promise of the coming Savior. Examples of guidance: Angel informed Mary that she will bear a Savior named Jesus Angel informed the shepherds that they will see Jesus wrapped in cloth Star led the wise men to Jesus John 16: 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Gifts There are gifts under tree. Why under the tree? You receive free gift at the cross. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Do you return gifts to those who gave you for being bad? Rev. 21:27b …but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Ephesians 1: 12-14

Beads Beads represents the unity of Christians through the Holy Spirit. Examples: garland, string of popcorn and berries Ephesians 4: 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Ornaments The ornaments on the tree represent sins on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Candy Cane A candy maker in Indiana in 1800’s wanted to invent a candy to express the meaning of Jesus Christ. He made the cane out of hard candy. The hard candy reminds us that Jesus is the” Rock of Ages.” The candy cane represents Jesus as the Great Shepherd using the staff caring for the flock. John 10: 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. The staff turning upside down shows J as Jesus. Three small stripes present the stripes He received on our behalf when The Roman soldiers whipped Him.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we were healed Large white stripe represent purity as Jesus has the sinless nature. Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Red stripe symbolizes blood for cleansing. I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. The cane is made of peppermint which is similar to hyssop used in Old Testament for sacrifice and purification. Therefore, Jesus is the pure Lamb of God. John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Sometimes green stripe is added tp present that is a gift from God. Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

December 25 The idea of celebrating Christmas was originated by the Catholic Church in 4 th century (300’s). The Romans was celebrating the birthday of the sun god, Mithras. Therefore, the church leaders decided to celebrate Christ’s birth to compete with the Romans even though Dec. 25 isn’t the actual date of Christ’s birth. Jesus’ birth could occur in the fall or spring.

X-mas Abbreviation for Christmas: X-mas is of Greek origin. Greek name for Christ is Xristos. X marked the place of the martyrs. X (chi) is the ultimate symbol of devotion and sacrifice as well as the ultimate statement of faith X-mas wasn’t existed until 3 ½ centuries later. Why X-mas instead of Christmas? The paper and ink were scarce. In 1800’s the reasons for X-mas were to save print space and that many Americans couldn’t read. Americans look at X-mas as a way to take Christ out of Christmas or to cross out Christ and as a sign of disrespect.

Santa Claus Santa Claus comes from St. Nicholas. Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in Turkey. He was known for his generosity for the poor, his love for children and his concern for the sailors. Under Roman Emperor Diocletian he was persecuted for his faith. When Constantine became the emperor of the Rome, he let St. Nicholas free. In 1500’s Dutch children place their wooden shoes by the hearth hoping they will be filled with treats. The Dutch spelled St. Nicholas as Sinter Klaas and finally in Anglican, Santa Claus. In 1822 Clement Moore wrote his famous poem “ The Night Before Christmas”. Tom Nast from harper’s Weekly posed Santa Claus as a fat jolly man

Family Reunion at Christmas All the believers will gather and fellowship together in the presence of God. Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; Merry Christmas!