CHRISTMAS. What is Christmas season without the sparkly Christmas trees , twinkling stars, gifts wrapped in glittering paper,the tinkling bells ,and so on? These traditional decorations are the very essence of Christmas and they all remind us about the birth of Christ and help us to be in touch with the true spirit of the season.
How did these decorations ever became a part of the humble birth of Christ in Bethlehem?
Well, each decoration has a symbolic meaning.
1.The Star
The star represents the bright star that shone over Bethlehem, the night Christ was born.
The Bible Says:
“Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” Mathew 2:2ov
2. The Christmas Tree:
The evergreen tree represents eternal life. It stays green all year and reminds us of everlasting hope and life eternal. Because of Jesus Christ, we can have eternal life. It also points up to heaven reminding us to look to God in all things.
The Bible says:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
3.The Christmas Carollers
The Carollers singing Christmas carols represent the multitude of angels that sang the night Christ was born.
The Bible says:
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke2:13-14
4.The Nativity Scene represents the scene in the manger in which Christ was born
The Bible says:
And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7
5.Christmas lights and candles
Lights and candles represent the light that Christ brought to the world.
The Bible says:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
6. Christmas Wreath
The wreath represents the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified
The Bible says:
The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe.
John 19:2
7.Candy Cane
Candy cane represents the shepherds’ staff. Christ is also called the Good Shepherd .
The Bible says:
Jesus says,”I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. …John10:11-17
8.The Christmas Bell
The bell rings out to bring lost sheep to the fold.
The Bible says:
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:16
9.Christmas Gifts
Gifts represent gold, myrrh & frankincense gifted to baby Jesus by the 3 wise men.
The Bible says:
They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. Mathew 2:11
10. Angels
The Angels heralded the glorious news of the birth of our Lord and Saviour.
The Bible says:
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14
11.Christmas Cards
Just as angels proclaimed Christ’s birth to shepherds, cards represent sending the word of God to the world.
12.Holly Berries
Holly berries represent the blood that Christ shed for us.
The Bible says:
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Mathew 26:28
13.Bow
A bow represents how people should all be tied together in bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season.
The Bible says:
20 . Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.21. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
1John 4:20-21
14.Red and Green Colors
The color red is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross.
The color green signifies everlasting light and life.
The Bible says :
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:44
In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,Titus 1:2
15.Santa Claus
Finally, Santa Claus, the most loved symbol of Christmas! Santa is actually Saint Nicholas, who was extremely generous to the poor but anonymously. Santa Claus signifies the need of giving alms to the poor and the needy.
The Bible Says:
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Mathew 6:3-4
In the hustle-bustle of Christmas preparations, remember the 12 Christmas Bible verses manifesting God’s love for you.
Christmas is the season for forgiveness! That’s why we ought to forgive and not have a grudge against anyone. May our Lord shower His peace and goodwill on us. Amen.
Thank you Laila.
Again your your “silver lining“ is a silver lining for me.
Love and Merry Christmas
Diana
Merry Christmas to you and your family Diana. Glad you like the blog, which inspires me and means a lot to me . Thanks.
I would love to use your presentation at church – please let me know if I have your permission
Hello Nancy..so sorry that I just saw comment. Yes, you may use it for your church.
Thank you for sharing this!! I hope you have a Wonderful Christmas celebrating our Savior’s birth!! 🙂
Wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
\\o// MERRY CHRISTMAS To Laila and family – We’re missing the Birthday of Baby Jesus with the commerce of it all and need to emphasis on the purpose of His birth as human ! Done a good job on your research and really have made sense on this extravagant spending spree during Christmas in U.K.
Best Wishes for the New Year -2023
Thank you so much and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve been having a hard time this year with the whole Santa thing. 🎅