Well, it's Christmas time again and stores had their decorations out this year well before Thanksgiving had even started. Many people today are so used to seeing the common decorations of Christmas and either do not know or have forgotten the BASIS for these decorations. Worst of all, our CHILDREN do not even know the cause of the celebration.
This is for the children (and for the young at heart):
The symbols used to decorate and celebrate Christmas all have a specific meaning. However, with the passing of time, and the secularization of Christmas, they have lost their true meaning. May this list of "true meanings" encourage us all to teach our children and those around us the true meaning of Christmas.
The Star - is the heavenly sign of promise. God sent a Savior to the world and the star of Bethlehem was the sign of that promise, as it led the Wise Men to the birthplace of Jesus. It has been said that in the heavens there is a star for each person on earth, representing the hope of all mankind.
Red - is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by those of faith to remind them of the blood that was shed by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man/woman might have God's gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid - the richest color of all. It is a symbol of God's greatest gift to all mankind.
Green - is the second color of Christmas. The tree became the perfect background for the red ornament. The pure green color of the evergreen tree remains this color all year round. Green is youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The needles on the tree point heavenward - symbols of man's prayers as they go toward heaven. Trees have been man's best friends. They have sheltered him, warmed him, and made beauty for him.
The Bell - was used to find lost sheep. It will ring for every person too, as they find their way back to the Father. It means guidance and return. It further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
Candles - were placed on Christmas trees. They glowed brightly against the dark green branches showing man's appreciation for the star of long ago. Now strings of lights have taken their place in remembrance of Christ's birth. Many homes place a welcome candle in their windows - representing God's light.
A Bow -- is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of brotherhood of man - as the bow is tied all of us should be tied together with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow and the gift - a gift of love.
The Cane - represents the Shepherd's staff. The crook on the staff was used to help bring back sheep that have strayed away from the fold. The red and white (and other colors) used in the spiral design is a symbol that we are our brother's keepers.
The Wreath - symbolizes the eternal nature of love: it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous circle that only grows greater and greater when expressed. The circle of love wreath is made of many things and many colors. It reminds us of God's unconditional love and the true reason for Christmas.
