Posted in Holidays, Life Lessons on December 10, 2018 by Pam Kanaly
Do you recognize what the symbols of Christmas mean? Knowing the stories behind the familiar images we associate with Christmas makes the holiday season come alive. Perhaps you’ve seen some variation of these meanings before but need a refresher. Have fun as you read over the symbols and descriptions below and share them with your kids. What a great way to tie Christmas traditions to your family unit!
Ribbon?The ribbon tied around gifts reminds us how the bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season tie people together.
Candles?The Christmas candle reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. He is the light we should follow, and through Him we will find our way in the darkness of life.
Candy Canes?The candy cane is in the shape of a shepherd’s crook, which was used to bring lost lambs back to the fold. The Savior is the Good Shepherd who guides us back to His fold. The white on the candy cane represents the purity of Jesus, and the red stripes symbolize the blood He shed for us.
Bells?They ring to guide lost sheep back to the fold. The Christmas bell signifies that all are precious in God’s eyes and He will help you.
Angels?The angels proclaimed the news of the Savior’s birth. They sang, “Glory to God in the highest” and proclaimed the good news on that first Christmas night.
The Colors Red and Green?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.
Wreaths?The Christmas wreath is a circular symbol of the never-ending love of God, having no beginning and no ending.
Poinsettias?The poinsettia is a plant that thrives during the winter and symbolizes new life. But it doesn’t stop there. Its shape resembles a star, like the one that led the Wise Men to Jesus.
Evergreen Trees?The evergreen Christmas tree stays green all year and reminds us of everlasting hope and life eternal. Because of Jesus Christ we can have eternal life.
Gifts?The Christmas gift reminds us of how God gave us the gift of His Son and that Jesus Christ gave us the greatest gift of all. Giving gifts symbolizes love and kindness.
Holly?The holly plant with its prickly leaves represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Christ for us.
Stars?The Christmas star represents the star of Bethlehem that shone the night Jesus was born and led the Wise Men to Him. It also symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world and is a shining hope to all mankind.
Mistletoe?This plant symbolizes love. So go ahead. Hold your kids under the mistletoe and give them a kiss!
Merry Christmas to all!
About Pam Kanaly
Aloha! I’m Pam Kanaly, President and co-founder of Arise Ministries. But actually, I think Arise found me wanting to bless single moms years ago. Ministry was never on my mind as a kid. All I wanted to be was a hula dancer. So Mother enrolled me in the tiny tots’ class. Guess God knew I’d have two grandbabies born in Hawaii. I love the great outdoors. You might even find me spending time with my husband grizzly bear watching or camping. In fact, it was on a turkey hunt that God gave me the name Arise Ministries in 2002. I suppose it’s a good thing that I majored in Grammar in college since I love to write words of encouragement to single moms.