Follow the Lamb: Day 1 Christmas
Christmas is a very important time for Christians. But why? What makes Christmas so special? Is it just Jesus birthday, or is it more than that? What do bells and angels and candy canes and Christmas trees have to do with Jesus?
The word “Christmas” means the Mass (or celebration) of “Christ”. Christ is a Greek word and title meaning “anointed” or one set apart by God for a special purpose. And the first Christmas was the day God fulfilled his promise to send a Saviour, the Messiah, into the world to save all people. You see, God’s people waited a long, long, loooonnnggg time for the Messiah, who would come with glory to save His people from their sins. And on that first Christmas, the Saviour, the Christ child was born. You can read about Jesus’ birth in Matthew 1:18-2:12 or Luke 2:1-19.
Now, how do Christmas trees and candy canes and wreaths help us celebrate this glorious day of Christmas? Here are some important symbols of Christmas and what they really mean:
- Evergreen tree: The needles of an evergreen tree are green all year long, and do not wither and drop in the winter, like leaves on other trees do. Evergreens remind us of the everlasting life we will have with Jesus because he died to set us free from our sins.
- Star: The star reminds us of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wisemen to the baby Jesus.
- Candle: They symbolize that Christ is the Light of the world.
- Wreath: The circular wreath shows us the unending love of God.
- Advent Wreath: This wreath holds five candles: 3 purple and 1 pink around the circle, and 1 white in the middle. The candles represent Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, and Christmas (Jesus), respectively. The candles on this wreath are lit during the season of Advent, and are a “countdown” to Christmas.
- Candy Cane: These tasty symbols represent the crook of a shepherd’s staff, which they used to rescue and lift up stray sheep. They remind us of the shepherds that visited Jesus when he was a baby, and also that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
- Angel: Angels sang songs at Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.”
- Bell: In the time of Jesus, bells were used to find lost sheep. They symbolize guidance and return.
- Holly: Holly is a green shrub with pointy leaves and red berries. The points remind us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore when he was crucified, and the berries represent his blood, when he was crucified to save us from our sins.
- Santa (Saint Nicholas): Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people at Christmastime. Santa symbolizes generosity and goodwill.
- Presents: The three wisemen brought presents to Jesus when he was a baby: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Here is a fabulous little poem by Joan Clifton Costner that will help you remember the real meaning of Christmas:
C is for the Christ Child and the child in all of us.
H is for the Heart of God, in Whom we place our trust.
R is for our Redeemer, Who is finished with His chore.
I is for Isaiah, who had told it all before.
S is for the Shepherd lowly shepherds came to see.
T is for Three wise men, who were wise beyond degree.
M is for a Manger, a simple manger where He lay.
A is for bright Angels who were standing by that day.
S is for the Star that shone and still shines out today!
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VBS Words of the Day:
Incarnation: a living being embodying a deity or spirit, assumption of human form or nature
Advent: the period beginning 4 Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world
Here are some fun Christmas links:
