Sunspiration – Christian symbolism in Christmas
Christmas is a day set aside to honor Jesus’ birth because no one is quite sure of the exact date. That’s kinda like we may do to celebrate our own birthday on another day than on our real birth date. Each one of us have a special day. Our family and friends like to honor us for this occasion. Why should we not honor our Savior for the greatest gift He has given us? Angels filled the night sky announcing the glorious news of Jesus’ birth, shepherds flocked to see the wonders that were told to them by the angels, and wise men brought gifts to the new-born babe.
During the 4th century a Roman Bishop established celebrated in honor of Jesus’s birth with the hopes of Christianizing popular pagans customs and the hopes of turning hearts to the one true creator. What a forward thinking man and a huge witness statement for Christ.
Unfortunately the special day was not a huge success in the early years but today it flourishes! The beauty that surrounds the holiday is that Christian symbols are closely entwined into the Christmas festivities. That is, if you just look past the glitter. Many of which are found in the decorations on our Christmas tree and I bet yours, too.
- The evergreen tree symbolizes everlasting life, like Christ offers to all. He says, “I give them eternal life…” ~John 10:28.
- Presents beneath the tree reminds us of the love God gave us through His precious gift to us – His son.“We love Him because He first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19 and for us to be giving of ourselves, as the Magi (2:1-12) to others – through material or non-material means. You don’t have to be wealthy like a king to show your love .
- Lights remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world. (John 8-12)
- White is for Our Lord’s purity who knew no sin. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
- Red is for Christ’s shed blood on the cross to pay my debt. (Hebrews 9:22)
- Silver symbolizes redemption or payment for our sins through Jesus. (1 John 2:2)
- Green is for the desire to grow in Christ Him or may also represent life.
- Gold is for the King of Kings – Jesus Christ. (Revelations 19:16)
- Stars are a sign that Jesus is the bright morning star (Revelation 22:16) and our hope for eternal life through Him.
Have Sunspirational Sunday and enjoy the reason for the season…
Jesus!
An interesting article, Should Christians celebrate Christmas?
2 Comments
Rory Bore
Ack….messed up my first comment! pretty sure that is the 2nd time I have done that! LOL
I used the M&M Christmas poem for our children’s dismissal object lesson at church today. I’ll do a post about it tonight if I can.
And even the candy cane was created to be a visual reminder of the story of Christ’s birth: the colours representing as you stated; the shape is the shepherd’s staff; or, if you turn it upside down – the letter “J” for Jesus!
Cathy Kennedy
It’s been a long while since I looked at the M&M Christmas poem. I’m gonna have to find it to refresh my memory or better still I’ll hop over your place shortly to kick start my brain. 🙂 Oh yes, definitely the candy cane is a lovely reminder of Jesus’ birth. I should have included that and I really was thinking to do so, but I guess in my madness I let it slip. Shame on me, right? The month is young I have time to do a post on the candy cane. Thanks for stopping by!