The Chrismon Committee would like to say a big “THANK YOU” for all the donations we received this year and Merry Christmas! Chrismons are now being displayed throughout the Narthex on five wreaths. The committee completed approximately 40 ornaments this year through generous donations. We plan to continue making ornaments in the years to come, and hope to have a Christmas tree decorated with Chrismons in the future. Following is an explanation of the ornaments that can be found on the wreaths.
Chrismon Symbol Explanations
Anchor Cross – As the anchor holds the ship in place, hope holds the believer to Christ. The Anchor Cross is also called the Cross of Hope.
Angel – Angels are Messengers of God who announced the birth and resurrection of Christ.
Butterfly – The butterfly’s three stages of metamorphosis symbolize the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Candle in Wreath – The wreath or circle represents the world, and the candle symbolizes the Word of God. The Word lights our way and shows us the truth.
Crown of Thorns Cross – The cross with thorns represents the suffering of Christ during the Crucifixion.
Eight-Pointed Star – This is a pre-Christian figure that was adopted by Christians as a “concealed” symbol during the Roman persecutions. The crossing lines reveal Chi, Rho, and crosses. When the design is used, we remember that is not always easy to be a Christian. It also can refer to regeneration through Holy Baptism.
Epiphany Star – To the Gentiles, the Star was the first manifestation of the Christ Child. The Star led the Three Wise Men to the Nativity. This star has five points.
Eternal Circle – The circle symbolizes eternity: God the only eternal One; God’s eternal love; and eternal life with God.
Fish – Persecuted believers used this symbol to secretly designate themselves as followers of Christ. The initials (IXOYC) represent: Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and Savior. They are the Greek word for fish.
God’s Promise – The Tau Cross is the oldest form of the cross and symbolizes the Crucifixion. The t-shape is the first letter in the Greek word “Theos” which means God. The gold rose represents the Virgin Mary who gave birth to Christ, and the crystal beads are symbolic of the Holy Spirit and Resurrection. God’s promise to His believers is the gift of eternal life and the forgiveness of sins.
Iota Chi – Iota (I), is the first letter of Jesus in Greek, and combines with Chi (X) is the first letter of the Christ in Greek to form an interwoven abbreviation of His given name and His title.
Latin Cross – This cross has an upright that extends above the transverse beam and is tall enough to make the leg longer than any other extension. It is the most common form of the cross that is used by Christians. This cross is a reminder of Jesus’ suffering provides the Gift of Eternal Life.
Resurrection Cross – The rising sun behind the cross symbolizes the new day that promises the forgiveness of our sins.
Rose Cross – The Latin cross is a reminder of our Lord’s saving work of redeeming mankind through His sacrifice for our sins. The rose symbolizes the Virgin Mary and the birth of Christ.
Son of Righteousness – The sun symbolizes that Christ the Son of God is the source of life to those who believes in Him. As the sun is the center of the universe, Jesus should be the center of a Christian’s life.
Tau Cross with Snake – Just as Moses lifted a bronze serpent on a pole and saved Israel, Christ said that He must also be lifted up to save man from his sins.
Three Entwined Circles – A symbol of the Holy Trinity is one God in three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) where each being eternal and all One.
Trefoil Cross with Dove – The three-budded clover represents a young or new believer and is the symbol of the Trinity. The Dove represents the Holy Spirit, which descended at the time of Jesus’ baptism.
Chrismons are Christmas tree ornaments that use Christian symbols. The word, Chrismon, is a combination of Christ and monogram (meaning symbol). These symbols of Christ on a Christmas tree help Christians to remember that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’s Birth and a look into His life, and the ultimate gift – His death and resurrection. The story of Jesus is explained through the ornaments in traditional colors of white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory.
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