The Meaning of Christmas (cont.)

What is the meaning of the symbols we associate with  Christmas? Candy cane - made by a Christian confectioner as a reminder of the Shepherd’s staff.  They were red and white - red for the blood shed by Jesus Christ, white for His purity.

The Wreath -  God is the Alpha and Omega.  He is everlasting.   His kingdom knows no beginning and no end.   (Revelation 1:8)

The Lights  - "Jesus, the Light of the world." (John 8:12) "The Lord shall be thy everlasting light." (Isaiah 60:20) "The Lord is my light and my salvation." (Psalm 27:1)

The Holly     -  crown of thorns (see red & green below)

The Star  - marks the place where the Christ Child lay.  (Matthew 2:10)

Christmas Tree     Symbol of the Jesse Tree.  Jesse was the father of King David.  He had 8 sons and 2 daughters.  It is from his lineage that the Christ Child receives his earthly ancestry.” (Isaiah 11:1-2)  Symbolizes life.  The tree wasChristianized in the 4th century during the reign of  Emperor Constantine. The pagan celebration of the Saturnalia was replaced with Christmas on Dec. 25th. ("Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" - Romans 12:21) - All nature rejoices at the birth of the Savior - The Lord is like "an evergreen tree" Hosea 14:8

Angels - proclaim the birth of the Savior. (Luke 2:10)