|
|
Handmade Christmas tree ornaments have been popular since the sixteenth century when the first Christmas trees were used. Recently traditional symbols of the Christian faith have been used as ornaments. Some of these symbols are monograms composed of various combinations of letters of Christ's name, or titles for Jesus. These are called Christograms. Many of these monograms and other symbols, such as the sign of the fish, were used in the first centuries of the church as secret symbols of Christianity.
Primary colors for Chrismons should be the liturgical colors of Christmas, white (or silver) and gold.
During Advent this year we will be using Chrismons, which are these ancient symbols, as a theme for our meditation booklet, for new banners to be hung in the church. Each Chrismon has a meaning. For example, a single white candle symbolizes Christ, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the Shepherd's crook symbolizes Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Greek letters alpha (Α, first) and omega (Ω, last) symbolize Jesus as the Christ who has come and will come again (Rev. 1:8 and 22:12).
As we enter this season of Advent and prepare for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, let us focus on the significance of the meaning of these ancient symbols as they relate to us two thousand, nine years later.
Pam C.
Click here to read from past Son Rises.
|
