The Symbols of Christmas
Posted on 12/20/2005
The Pastoral Care Department of St. Alexius brings to you the twelve Symbols of Christmas. The Department wishes for you a Blessed Holiday Season and hopes that you enjoy these thoughts.
Symbol One
The Christmas Tree
The tradition of the Christmas tree was brought to this country by German-speaking immigrants. The tree is an “evergreen” and is one of the few trees that does not die (lose its leaves) in winter. For this reason it is a symbol of everlasting life, the precious gift from Jesus to all believers.
“Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the Lord, for He comes to rule the earth.” Psalm 96:12
Symbol Two
The Christmas Candle
Candles have long been a part of the tradition of the Church. At Baptism the parents of the child are handed a small white candle and told: “receive the Light of Christ, may you keep the flame of faith burning brightly in this child who is a new creation.” The candles we burn brightly at Christmas remind us of our own Baptism and our own adoption as God’s children. They equally Symbolize Christ who is our Light in the darkness.
“I am the light of the world. No follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness, but shall possess the light of life.” John 8:12
Symbol Three
The Star
One of the most popular symbols of Christmas is the star. Many people top their tree with a star or place a star that is brightly lit over their homes. It was the star which led the Magi to the humble crib of the new born King. The Magi were the first non-Jewish people to visit Christ and they represented all people outside the nation of Israel. The star can remind us that we are invited to come to Christ and to offer our gifts and talents to Him.
“The star which they had observed at its rising went ahead of them until it came to a standstill over the place where the child was.” Matthew 2:2
Symbol Four
Christmas Bells
School bells call children to classrooms and church bells call millions of people to worship. Bells alert people of important happenings, saying: “listen, take notice!” “Silver Bells,” “The Bells of St. Mary,” and the little bell on the Christmas tree in the move “It’s a Wonderful Life,” are all part of our Christmas tradition. The bells of Christmas have a special meaning, for they sing out: “your Savior is at hand, your freedom from sin is here!” What a joyous message, what a beautiful sound!
“I come to proclaim good news to you, tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people.” Luke 2:10
Symbol Five
Santa Claus
Santa Claus seems to overshadow the true meaning of Christmas and there is a sad irony in this since he is really Saint Nicholas. He was a generous to the poor and always gave gifts secretly, we are told. In imitation of him anonymous gift-giving at Christmas time began. In his life, Saint Nicholas reflected God’s gift of grace to all. Today, this beautiful tradition has been grossly commercialized. All is not lost, however, if we take the time to explain the Christian origin of this great historic figure we call Santa Clause.
“In giving alms do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Keep your deeds of mercy a secret.” Matthew 6:3-4
Symbol Six
The Wreath
In ancient Rome and Greece, athletes and heroes were rewarded with wreaths as trophies in sports or military battle. “To the victor goes the crown” meant that the winners received a wreath and were paraded before the people. Christ’s victory over evil on the cross is also symbolized by a wreath. As Christians, we are reminded of the crown He wore, how He was paraded through the streets of Jerusalem for all to see and how He struggled with sin and death on the cross.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is laid up for me the crown which the Lord will award to me on that day, and not only to me but to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Symbol Seven
The Candy Cane
On that sacred night when Jesus was born, in a stable near the hillsides of Bethlehem, some shepherds were invited by the Angel to go and see the newborn Messiah of Israel. After Mary and Joseph, they were the first people on earth to adore this infant Savior. Their crooked shepherd staff have been memorialized in the candy canes which decorate our Christmas trees and fill the stocking of children.
” The shepherds said to one another: Let us go over to Bethlehemand see this event which the Lord has made known to us.”
Symbol Eight
Christmas Ornaments
Decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments comes from an old European custom when ornaments were made from cookies and bread. These were hung on the tree in thanks of “our daily bread.” They meant a special Christmas treat for the children, too. Through the years these edible decorations began to be made of carved wood and blown glass. The tradition of edible decorations is still carried on when we give and share special Christmas breads and foods with friends and relatives.
“I myself am the living bread which has come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he will live forever.” John 6:51
Symbol Nine
The Apple
We often use apples to stuff children’s Christmas stockings and to hang on our Christmas trees as decorations. Yet few of us realize that the apple also has a Christmas meaning. It stands for the forbidden fruit that Adam and Eve ate in the garden of Paradise and therefore, the first sin and sin of all humanity. Although the apple recalls this sad event, it also reminds us of the happy outcome – the good news that Christ is the new Adam who has saved us from sin. As the Church sings: “O happy fault which merited such a Redeemer!”
“Just as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will come to life again. Each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.” 1Corinthians 15:22-23
Symbol Ten
Christmas Colors
Red and green are the colors most use at Christmas time. In the tradition of the Church, these colors have special meaning. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ and the martyrs who loved God and remained faithful to Him. Green is the color of hope and has always been a sign of life and growth in nature. Love and hope are very much a part of the Christmas story, for God became human to prove his deep love for us and give us hope of eternal life.
“Blessed is he whose hope is in the Lord his God, The Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, who keeps the faith forever.” Psalm 146:5-6
Symbol Eleven
Holly
Garlands and sprigs of holly are used to adorn our homes, churches and public places. The colorful green leaves and red berries bring an air of festivity, yet they bear a deeper message than simple decoration. Long ago, the sharp thorns and red berries reminded Christians of the suffering for which the Infant Messiah was destined. They saw in the thorns the crown which would pierce His head. The berries reminded them of the blood he would shed.
“They made a crown of thorns and placed it on His head and put a reed in His right hand. Kneeling before Him they mocked Him, saying: Hail King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29-30
Symbol Twelve
Christmas
We musn’t forget the word “Christmas” itself. It is a word that we hear and see often through the season yet many are hardly aware of its origin. Christmas is a combination of two Latin words: Christus and missus. These two words mean” Christ is sent. Sent where? Into the world by our loving Creator who wishes to give us the most precious gift of all – God’s only Son.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16