Introduction to Chrismons

 

Our main sanctuary Christmas tree will be adorned with Chrismons this Advent Season. Chrismons have been a popular way for churches to portray Biblical and religious references with the traditional Christmas tree decorations.

Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them. They help Christians to remember that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus's birthday. Christians believe Jesus is the son of God and savior of the world. Chrismons are often used on Christmas Trees in Churches and Christians homes.

Chrismons were first made by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. She also thought of the word, Chrismon, which is a combination of Christ and monogram (meaning symbol). The idea quickly spread to other churches. It is traditional that Christian groups make their own Chrismons with their favorite symbols on. The Chrismons you will see on our tree were made by UBC church members some years ago.

Chrismons are traditionally colored 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. Chrismons can be made from nearly anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used.

Some of the Chrismons you will see on our tree will be:

  • Star: There are a variety of star Chrismons, each with its own meaning. They range from the five-pointed star to the 8-pointed Natal Star Cross, with the former representing the five wounds of Jesus and the latter representing the Bethlehem star and the four New Testament gospels.

  • Triangle: A triangle represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  • Cross: There’s a wide range of crosses used on Chrismon trees. Like the various stars, each cross delivers its own special meaning from the anchor cross, the Fleur-de-Lis cross, the Celtic cross, the Jerusalem Cross, and the Latin Cross—to name a few.

  • Dove: The dove is traditionally used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

  • Lamb: A lamb signifies Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

  • Fish: This was one of the original secret symbols used to identify followers of Christ and would be used to point in the direction of places of worship.

  • Crown: Signifying the King of kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ

As we consider the decorations in our sanctuary and church building this Advent and Christmas Season, remember that the focus is on illumination - that we, each time we see these symbols and decorations, are reminded of the coming Christ Child, the Hope of the world, and our Savior and King, Jesus Christ. Christmas is just the beginning.

-Jim Vernon, Minister of Worship & Music of UBC Shawnee

 
 

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