Symbols Of Christmas
As we prepare in Advent for Christmas, one
of the more popular ways of preparing is getting
out all those things that are symbols of
Christmas. Here are a few.
The color is white. It adorns our altar during
Christmas and Epiphany. White is the color of
purity, reflective of the purity of the conception
and birth of Jesus. It speaks of cleanness, life,
radiance, and happiness.
The Star is another symbol. Stars are the voices
of heaven. They speak from a world quite beyond the human reach.
To the mariner they give location, to the worker in the dark of night
they tell the hour of the night. To all men they speak of a constant God
who never fails. Such also is the message of Christmas and Epiphany.
One can scarcely think of Christmas without the symbol of The
Bell. It has a happy tone at Christmas time, for it is the joyful reminder
of the world’s most happy event. Everyone is caught up in the spirit of
the ringing of the yuletide bells.
The Christmas candle to the Christian speaks with the special glow
of warmth and radiance, a living message, announcing not that the
search is on but that it is over. Christ has come, the light is here, and is
now casting its beam across the nations. It is a reflection of a
fulfillment of hope and expectation.
The Christmas wreath, usually made of evergreens or holly, speaks
of the continuing life which is the Christmas message. The holly
speaks of the crown of thorns, with its red berries representing the
drops of blood brought out by the sharp thorns on the brow of the
suffering Savior. The circular shape of the wreath tells of the love of
God, eternal, without beginning and without end; this is the perfect
message of Christmas.
The Crèche is one of the most vivid expressions of the Christmas
story and one of the most commonly used. It is simply a miniature
model of the much-loved manger scene. The word “crèche” comes
from the French, even though the symbol seems to have originated in
Italy where it was known as the ‘Presepio”.
Christmas gifts are given as a token of human love and esteem. In
the real spirit of the season it is properly thought of as a reflection of
God’s love so generously expressed in the giving of His Son, the
greatest gift of all.
And the Greeting Cards are sent to let people know you are thinking
about them at this very special time of the year. Great care must be
taken that the greeting card is used for its most joyful and helpful purpose.
The spiritual emphasis must be protected with care. The sentiments
expressed must be reverent and dignified. They must be a true
witness to the faith.
The Poinsettia has become the more popular of the Christmas plant
symbols. In the form of a star, it is a reminder of the Star of the East
that led the Wise Men to the place of the Nativity.
There are more. But the most recognized of all symbols is the Christmas
Tree. In rich variety they come: spruce, fir, pine, red cedar, arbor
vitae, and others, reminding the “people of God” that in the darkness of
winter’s sleep, life goes on. In a sentimental way the ornaments are carried
from year to year, expressing traditions and life experiences that
blend together at Christmas time with rich significance.
And Advent is the season when we get ready for all that. Without our
recognition of what the Christmas event is all about, the celebration is
nothing but an escapism, and meaningless as a spiritual renewal, something
we truly need every year.
So, let’s get ready. Celebrate Advent in a spiritual way so that you
don’t miss Christmas.
-Pastor Starkey
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