1. Merry Christmas!

2. THE CHRISTMAS TREE: In the fall, the leaves of many trees die and fall to the ground. Not so with the evergreen trees that we decorate for Christmas. Their needles do not die each year, but rather remain green year round. In the same way, through the salvation that Jesus provides for us, we have eternal life. We will live forever in heaven with God our father. For Go so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The Christmas tree also reminds us that Jesus died for us. The cross upon which he was crucified was made from wood, which comes from trees. As we lay our gifts beneath the tree, we are reminded of the gift that God sent to us so many years ago His son, Jesus. As we hang our ornaments on the tree, we remember that Christ hung on a cross and died, so that we may be forgiven. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, who you had put to death by hanging him on a cross. Acts 5:30

3. LIGHTS: Each year at Christmas time, we see lights everywhere
LIGHTS: Each year at Christmas time, we see lights everywhere! They brighten our Christmas trees, glow in our windows, trim our houses, and add warmth to our church sanctuary and our dinner tables. All of these lights remind us of Jesus because Hi is the light of the world. I am the light of the world: he who follows me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12
If Jesus lives within us, then his light should shine through. Others should be able to see Jesus through the way we live, just as we put candles in the windows for all to see. Let you light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

4. GIFTS: As we give and receive gifts, we follow the example of the wise men who brought gifts to Jesus, who himself is a gift from God. By accepting him as our saviior, we can receive the gift of salvation and have eternal life. With all those types of gifts, it’s no wonder that this is the season for giving! For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift o fGod is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For by grace your have been saved through faith: and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

5. THE NATIVITY: As we arrange the figures around the manger each year, we remember that Jesus came to earth to live as we live and to teach us how to love and serve one another. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 He was not born in a palace where only the rich and famous had access to him, but in a stable where all could come to worship hi m.. Jesus wants us ALL to know him as savior.

6. STARS: The star that we place upon our Christmas tree reminds us of the star that led the shepherds and wise men to Jesus. Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2

7. STOCKINGS: In the days before Christmas, stockings hang limp and empty by the fire. It is not until Christmas morning that we find them filled with goodies. We are much the same. We are empty without Jesus, but when Christ comes into our lives he fills us with his spirit. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

8. ANGELS: The angel atop our tree helps us remember the angels that told Mary and Joseph about the baby that was to be born to them. And she will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for it is He who will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 More angels announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds in the fields Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:12

9. CHRISTMAS COOKIES: As we bake cookies and other goodies, we remember how sweet life can be when we follow Jesus. How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

10. CANDY CANES: The shape of a candy can looks like the “J” in Jesus’ name if you turn it upside down. When held upright it becomes a shepherd’s staff, reminding us of the shephers that visited Jesus in Bethlehem. It also helps us remember that God is our shepherd, watching over us and caring for and protecting us, just as a shepherd cares for his sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and my own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. John 10:14-15
The red and white colors in the candy cane remind us of the blood of Christ which cleanses us from our sins and makes us pure and holy before God. He washes us white as snow! The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses from all sin. John 1:7
Some candy canes have sets of 3 stripes together. We think of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, three in one.

11. WREATHS: A wreath is a circle, with no beginning or ending
WREATHS: A wreath is a circle, with no beginning or ending. It reminds us of God’s eternal presence. He has always been, and will always be. Before the mountains were born, or Thou didst give birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. Psalm 90:2 When you add a big red bow to your wreath or to your house, think of the blood of Jesus.
Wreaths made of greenery remind us of eternal life, as does the evergreen tree.
Wreaths made of straw remind of us Christ’s birth in a stable.
Wreaths made of grapevine remind us of the crown of thorns that was placed upon His head before He was crucified.

12. CHRISTMAS CARDS: When we send cards to family and friends, we are sending messages of comfort, joy, and hope, the same message sent by the angels to the shepherds long ago. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:10, 13-14

13. Jesus is the reason for the season.

14. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas