The Symbols of Christmas by Nancy Booher Luke

The Symbols of Christmas by Nancy Booher

Luke 2: 11 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. ”

Advent Calendar • Advent means you are waiting for something to arrive.

Christmas Tree • Why is a Christmas Tree an Evergreen Tree? Why isn’t it an apple tree or an oak tree?

Christmas Tree • It’s an Evergreen Tree to represent Eternal Life in Jesus Christ.

Christmas Tree Ornament • The traditional Christmas Tree Ornament is round. Why is it round?

Christmas Tree Ornament • It’s round to represent the whole world. In John 3: 16 it says : “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. ”

Star • Why do we put stars on our Christmas trees?

Star • Stars represent The Star that God sent for the Wisemen to follow to find baby Jesus.

Angel • Why do you see so many angels at Christmas Time?

Angel • Angels announced Jesus’ birth to the Shepherds.

Lights • Why do we put lights on Christmas Trees and on houses?

Lights • Because Jesus said that He is the Light of the World.

Wreath • Why are wreaths round instead of square or rectangle?

Wreath • They are a circle because a circle doesn’t have a beginning or an end, just like God.

Candy Cane • Why is this candy so special? Why do we see it just at Christmas Time?

Candy Cane • The Candy Cane was made to symbolize the life of Jesus.

Candy Cane • The main part is a stick of pure white. White symbolizes the Virgin Birth and the fact that Jesus never sinned.

Candy Cane • The candy is hard. This symbolizes that Jesus is our Solid Rock.

Candy Cane • It is in the form of a “J” to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior.

Candy Cane • And when you turn it around it is like a staff because Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who like all sheep have gone astray.

Candy Cane • The 3 small red stripes represent the cuts that were made on Jesus’ body when he was whipped. Jesus said that by his wounds we are healed.

Candy Cane • The large red stripe is for the blood shed by Jesus on the cross so that we could have eternal life.

Santa • Did you know that Santa really exists? • Yes, and he is alive today in Heaven with Jesus. • Santa was a bishop (pastor) in Turkey 300 years after Jesus. • He loved Jesus very much.

Stocking • Why do Americans hang stockings at Christmas Time?

Stocking • The tradition comes from one of the stories about the real Santa.

Why do people now think Santa lives at the North Pole and has flying reindeer? • The poem: The Night Before Christmas A Visit from St. Nicholas By Clement Clarke Moore 1779– 1863 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; …

Where did the modern look of Santa come from? • New Yorker Magazine and Coca Cola Advertisements

What is a Nativity Scene? • Nativity means birth. • Christians have Nativity Scenes in their homes to remember the real reason for Christmas.

What is the real reason for Christmas? • The reason for Christmas is Easter.

What is the real reason for Christmas? Jesus came to earth as a baby to grow up and die on a cross for you and me. He took the punishment for our sin. He rose from the grave 3 days after he died. He lived on earth another 40 days and then ascended into Heaven. He is there today waiting for me and for you.

Joy To the World (song) Joy to the World , the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven, and nature sing.