Our Christmas Tree Ornaments and Meaning
The Alpha and Omega
As the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the Alpha and Omega represent the One in whom creation began and by it will end. Its usage as an early Christian symbol is based upon Revelation 1:8.
The Celtic Cross
This cross (also known as the Irish Cross) was used by the ancient Celtic Christians who lived in what is now the British Isles. It owes its unusual shape to the fact that such crosses were originally carved from a single piece of stone. Because of this, the circle served not only as an emblem of eternity, but also provided the support needed to keep the arms of the cross from breaking off.
The Anchor
A symbol of hope, the anchor is one of the most ancient of all Christian symbols, and is based upon Paul’s words in Hebrews 6:19. It is one of the oldest inscriptions to be found in the catacombs, dating back to the second century.
The Angel
The symbol of an angel blowing a trumpet is primarily used to represent the second coming of Christ as in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. It also signifies the announcement of the birth of Christ to the shepherds.
The Butterfly
The butterfly has long been a symbol of life after death. The remarkable transformation that takes place during the metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly beautifully illustrates the promise found in 1 Cor. 15:52.
Chi Rho
In the original Greek, the word “Christ” was written XRISTOS. The letters Chi (X) and RHO (R or P) were combined into one of the earliest known Christian symbols, being found inscribed on the walls of the Roman catacombs as early as the 2nd century. In Hebrew, the word “Christ” is translated “Messiah”, which means “the anointed one”.
The Cross
The cross is undoubtedly the most well known of all Christian symbols. As a result of Christ’s death upon a cross, this cruel instrument of execution has become, to the believer, a beautiful statement of faith and hope as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:14.
The Crown
A crown has always been a visible symbol of a ruler’s power and authority. For Christians, the crown symbolizes the ultimate sovereignty and majesty due the Son of God. At His return, Jesus will be crowned with “many crowns” and reign as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 19:12, 16)
Descending Dove
The use of a descending dove to represent the Holy Spirit is based upon the account of Jesus’ baptism
found in Luke 3:22.
Dove with Olive Branch
Since the time of Noah as in Genesis 8:11, the dove with her olive branch has symbolized peace, safety, and God’s desire for reconciliation with man.
The Fish
In its early years, Christianity was an illegal religion. Because of this, the Sign of the Fish became a universal symbol that secretly identified believers to one another. The Greek word for “fish” is IXOYS. These five letters were also the first letters (in Greek) of the words: JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON, SAVIOUR. By drawing the Sign of the Fish, Christians revealed both their identity and the basis of their faith.
The Hand of God
During the first eight centuries A.D., the “Manus Dei” or Hand of God, emerging from the clouds, was the only acceptable symbol of God, the Father. It emphasizes the fact that while man-made religions reach out in search of God, Christianity presents an Eternal Father reaching out, in love, to a lost and dying world.
The Harp
The harp was the favorite instrument of King David as
recorded in 1 Chronicles 13:8. Harps are also mentioned by John in his description of the music of heaven, (Rev. 5:8, 14:2, 15:2). For Christians, the harp symbolizes all music which is sung or played to the glory of God.
IOTA CHI
In the original Greek, “Jesus Christ” is written IHSOUS
XRISTOS. From earliest times these two letters have been combined into a beautiful symbol of the Christian faith that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God”.
(Matthew 16:16)
IOTA ETA SIGMA
These three Greek characters are the first letters of the name “Jesus” (IHSOUS). (The eta is the same as our letter “H”). In ancient times, this became a widely recognized monogram of the Christ. Although many traditions have Arisen, giving various other meanings to these three letters, Most Church historians hold to this original and most simple Explanations.
The Keys
When Jesus talks to Peter in Matthew 16:19 He is referring To the Apostle’s privilege of opening the kingdom (Church) to both Jew and Gentile. The Keys, regardless of race, are welcome in Christ’s Church.
The Lamb
The symbolic “Lamb of God” is often known by its Latin name Angus Dei. This usage is based upon the statement of John the Baptist in John 1:29. The lamb, pure and faultless, was often used for sacrifice in the Old Testament. But only Jesus could be the truly “Perfect Sacrifice” for the sins of mankind.
The Lamp
The Psalmist David wrote: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) In ancient times, an oil lamp provided the most common illumination available to those who traveled after dark. Symbolically, the Bible provides mankind with the only reliable source of true Spiritual light.
The Lion
This symbol of Christ is based upon John’s message in Revelation 5:5: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda”. Medieval symbolism frequently represented Jesus in the way. Even C.S. Lewis in his famous series “The Chronicles of Narnia” portrayed Christ as the noble lion Aslan. Courage, power, and kingship are all attributes which rightfully characterized the Son of God.
Love of God
This contemporary symbol consists of four hearts, representing love, converging into a circle, which represents the world. It beautifully symbolizes the familiar words of Jesus as recorded in John 3:16 “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”.
The Ship
Deep within the ancient catacombs are to be found drawing of a ship riding through troubled waters, the cross emblazoned upon its sail. As a symbol of the church, the ship reminded early Christians that in spite of persecution from without and heresy within, the church of Christ and those faithful to her would safely reach their heavenly home.
The Star
This familiar symbol is best known at the Christmas season because of its appearance to the Wise Men at the birth of Christ as recorded in Matthew 2: 9-10.
The Star and the Cross
The origin of the six-pointed Star of David is not clear but it has been representative of the Jewish people for centuries. With the cross of Christ at its center, the star symbolizes the statement of Jesus in Rev. 22:16 “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star”.
The Triquetra
By the time of the Middle Ages, the three interwoven arcs of the Triquetra had come to serve as a beautiful symbol of the Trinity… the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Identical in shape, the three arcs represent the equality of the Trinity. The continuous form of this symbol also shows the unity and eternal nature of the Divine God-Head.
The Eastern Cross
This cross is most commonly used by the various Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches. The top beam represents the sign fastened to the cross bearing Pilate’s inscription “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). The angular bottom beam is most commonly thought to represent the two thieves crucified with Jesus.
The Hill of Calvary
During the Christmas season, this symbol reminds us that our Heavenly Father not only cared enough to give His very best but then placed this gift on a tree atop the hill called Calvary. For it was through Jesus’ suffering and death on the center cross that He paid for our sins, and gave believers the promise of eternal life.
The Nativity
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David…he went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child…She wrapped Him in strips of cloth and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4-7)
Shepherd of Love
The staff represents our Shepherd’s care and protection. The heart symbolizes His great love. The cross is where this love and concern culminated in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 15:13-14
Praying Hands
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) While the purpose, content, length, and mode of prayer are many and varied, there are two basic essentials that will never change: We pray TO GOD (Philippians 4:6) and we pray IN JESUS NAME (John 15:16b and 16:23)
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