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Holidays

The Symbols of Christmas

Often the Christmas holiday leaves us in a frenzy—even angry and frustrated. Businesses try to outdo each other with their sales and decorative displays, attempting to allure children and adults into spending. Last-minute shoppers snap at each other, pushing and pulling as they maneuver with arms full of packages. Because of all this bustle, it is hard to hear the words of the angels' chorus, "Glory to God in the highest! For unto you is born a Savior!" And it is difficult to see Christ as the Giver of peace and goodwill toward men.

One way to overcome the commercialization of Christmas is to find a spiritual basis in the holiday symbols which often obscure the meaning of Christmas.

Gifts

Christmas and giving are virtually synonymous. But the frantic search for presents has spoiled Christ's birthday for many people. We must remember God gave the greatest gift of all when He sent Jesus to earth for His specific purpose (John 3:16).

Lights/Candles

Jesus is the Light of the World. His presence refines us, warms us and illuminates us. In John 8:12 Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In turn, we receive the commission to become the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).

Star

Jesus refers to himself as the bright and morning star in Revelation 22:16. He is even brighter and more vivid than the star that shone in the East leading the Wise Men to worship the Christ child. He gives us the charge to shine for Him. When we reflect His brightness, we affect those around us. Then we will shine like the stars forever (Daniel 12:3).

Bells

Churches ring bells in high steeples to call people to worship. Bells symbolize joy in their vibrant ringing. In the Old Testament golden bells were sewn on the priest's robe so that all the people could hear him minister in the Holy of Holies. Jesus came as our high priest (Hebrews 9:11,12).

Holly and Berries

Whenever we see holly we can be reminded of the prickly, thorny crown Jesus wore at His crucifixion. The red berries remind us of the blood He shed for our salvation (1 John 1:7).

Candycane

The shepherds who visited Jesus at the manger carried a crook very similar in shape to the candy cane. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:14). The Good Shepherd not only guides and protects us throughout our lives, but He also gave himself for us—His sheep. The red stripes of the candy cane remind us of the stripes He bore for our sins (Isaiah 53:5); the red color of His precious blood; and the peppermint flavor of the herb hyssop used in purification (Psalm 51:7).

Wreath

The wreath's circular shape is symbolic of the truth that Jesus is eternal. Like a circle He has no beginning or ending. The sweet scent of the evergreen typifies the beauty of Christ, which should be part of each of us, leading us to victory at the end of our days. Then we will receive "the crown of life" as promised in Revelation 2:10.