The Symbols of Christmas www.growinguphomeschooled.com

Did you know… Christmas decorations have a bigger purpose than to just look pretty. Decorations are symbols, or reminders, of why we celebrate Christmas.

Why do we celebrate Christmas? Many people celebrate Christmas as a time to show love to family and friends by giving gifts to one another. As Christians, we do that too, but we know that Christmas is a celebration of when Jesus was born. Jesus was the greatest gift ever given.

Why do we celebrate Christmas? The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Do you know what the symbols mean?

Christmas Trees Christmas trees are selected from Evergreen trees. An Evergreen tree is always green, never fades or loses its color.

Christmas Trees Christmas trees remind us that God’s love is eternal, never ends and never fades. God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

Stars Many Christmas trees will have a star on top. Stars remind us of the star which hung over Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus.

Stars The wise men followed the star to find Jesus saying: “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2)

Christmas Wreath Like a Christmas tree, Christmas wreathes are made of Evergreen branches. A wreath is a circle with no beginning or end.

Christmas Wreath The Bible says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34) Like a circle, God’s love never ends.

Angels Angels are messengers from God. An angel brought the good news to the shepherds that Jesus had been born.

Angels In Luke 2:8-12, the Bible says: Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Candles A candle’s flame makes a light in the dark and reminds us of Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

Gingerbread & Candy Gingerbread and candy are sweet to eat. When we eat it, we can remember that the Bible is the sweet Word of God.

Gingerbread & Candy Psalm 119: 103 says, “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Candy Canes Candy canes are also sweet but they were designed in a special way. Shaped like a shepherd’s crook, they remind us of the shepherds who came to visit the baby Jesus.

Candy Canes Flipped upside down, they are shaped like a “J” and remind us of Jesus. The red and white stripes remind us that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we can be white as snow.

Candy Canes The Bible says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Bells Since long ago, bells have been used in churches to announce the birth of a child or to draw people together for worship. Bells remind to praise God for the birth of Jesus just as the angels did with the shepherds.

Bells The angels praised God by singing, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14)

Gifts Gifts have become a big part of the Christmas celebration. Gifts remind us of the wise men who came to see the child Jesus, bringing him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Gifts Gifts also remind us of the gift that God offers to us through our belief in His Son, Jesus. Through the forgiveness of our sins, we are saved and given eternal life.

Gifts The Bible says, “… the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Merry Christmas! www.growinguphomeschooled.com