Kath's Korner
The Spiritual Meanings behind Christmas Decorations.
Can visitors tell why you are celebrating Christmas? Is there Santa's plastered around, or symbols of Christ's birth and life? What do things like holly and ivy stand for anyway? Not sure? Read on to find out. Let your home reflect the true meaning of the season this Christmas!
Christmas Trees
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen. Psalm 41:13
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:5
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
The Christmas tree should be an evergreen to show the everlasting love of God, its needles pointing upwards towards heaven to remind us where we should look. Also remember that the cross which Jesus died on was made from a tree.
It should be decorated with lights to show the stars in the sky, with a big star on top to represent the Star of Bethlehem that the shepherds followed. (more on stars below.)
Wreaths
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:21
The circle of the wreath shows we have life eternal because of what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross to cover our sins. Made from evergreens to also show the eternal love and mercy of God.
Stars
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Matthew 3:9 and 10
God promised long ago that he would send a star as a sign of the coming Messiah. (Numbers 24: 15-19) The shepherds probably knew this scripture and that is why they followed the star.
Did you realise that the Star of Bethelem was a special star God made just to lead the shepherds to the baby Jesus? Remember that all the other stars in the sky appear to rise and set, but the star of Bethlehem went ahead of the shepherds as they went south from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. It didn't rise or set.
Candles
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matthew 5:15
Later on, the one who is the true Light arrived to shine on everyone coming into the world. John 1:9
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. Luke 11:33
Jesus is the true light, and when he lives in our hearts his light shines through us. Candles remind us not to hide his light, but to share it with others. We are to walk in the light, not in darkness.
Angels
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Matthew 17:27
And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth. Luke 1:26
And the angel said unto them, (the shepherds), Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people.
An Angel appeared to Zacharias to tell him that he and his wife would have a child that would prepare the people hearts for the coming Lord. (Luke 1:17).
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary soon after to announce that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that she would conceive the Son of God. An angel of the Lord also appeared to Joseph to tell him not to fear and to take Mary as his wife.
The shepherds also saw an angel who announced the birth of Jesus.
Candy Canes
While Candy Canes are obviously not mentioned in the Bible, they are a wonderful lesson in themselves. For a start they have the shape of a 'J' which stands for Jesus. Turn it upside down it is a shepherds rod.
The white strips show the purity and sinlessness of Jesus. He is the only person who has ever lived, or ever will, that has never sinned.
The thick red strips represent his blood that he shed on the cross. He died so that we might have eternal life. The thin red strips are the wounds he suffered before his death.
The minty flavour is similar to hyssop, which the Israelites used for purification. We are also made pure when we believe that Jesus died to take away our sins so we may have eternal life.
Bells
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD. Zechariah 14:20
Bells are used in churches to announce news. When we put bells up in our homes we are celebrating the good news of Jesus's birth 2000 years ago. The Bible tells us that in the future that even common objects such as horses bells will be used to give praise to the Lord.
Bows
Bows are used to tie things together, just as mankind should be tied together with love.
Well now that you know the spiritual meanings of decorations, spend some time reflecting on the spiritual meaning of each decoration as you decorate your home this Christmas. May your home radiate a love of God, not just through decorating, but also let the love of Jesus shine through your hearts. May everyone who comes through your home see the light of Jesus in this season, and after.
God Bless, and
Merry Christmas!
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Background graphics from Backgrounds and Bars by Cynthia