The Symbols Of Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has already begun in many ways. Gifts are being purchased and wrapped, travel plans are being made and meals are being planned and prepped. The tree goes up, the lights go on and traditional decorations are added.

Do you know why we celebrate Christmas with the symbols we do? To start your holiday season off right, here are just a few explanations of the decorations we use.

Evergreen tree: eternal life for the believer.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hearth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. John 5:24

Lights: Jesus is the light of the world.
Then Jesus spake again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Candy cane: to resemble the shepherd's staff.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:8-10

Holly and berries: prickles for crown of thorns, green for eternal life, red blood of Christ.
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Titus 1:2
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44

Star: the wise men's direction giver.
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 2:9-10

Gifts: presents from the wise men, God's greatest gift of salvation.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented him with gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
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

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