Remembering The Real Meaning of Christmas

Well, the holiday season is in full swing! Sometimes it is hard to keep our sanity isn't it? The Christmas decorations are up right after Halloween and it snowballs downhill from there with planning, shopping, and baking. It is so easy to get caught up in the madness and forget the one who's birthday we celebrate. Keeping this in mind, I searched for everyday symbols that I could share with my family and friends to keep our focus where it should be.

The Christmas tree

An evergreen tree symbolizes God's everlasting love. The lights represent stars of the heavens, and a big star on top represent the one the wise men followed to see Baby Jesus.

The Gifts

Giving a gift is an act of love like God's love for us in sending Jesus. Each gift, as beautiful as we can make it, reminds us of the perfect gift, Jesus Christ as our Saviour.

The Candles

As we light candles during the Christmas season, they remind us how we are to be a light unto the world.

The Bells

They are used to announce the birth of the Saviour and to call us to worship Him.

The Wreath

The circle, which has no beginning or end, reminds us of God's unending love for us as He offers us salvation.

The Holly

The holly's thorn like leaves remind us of Jesus' crown of thorns, and the berries symbolize the drops of blood He shed for us.

The Candy Cane
Is shaped like the letter ‘J’ for Jesus. Turn it upside down and it’s shape is a staff of a shepherd who were one of the first who came. The red stripes remind us of His sacrifice. The white is his purity. And like a candy cane this story is meant to be shared.

I found this wonderful article on Cathy's Christmas Cottage. She has many more ideas for a Christ centered Christmas. Stop by and take a look.