The Symbols of Christmas

A While back I showed the ornament I made at a RS activity day and it had pictures in the pocket in the back. Some of you asked for the whole list so they could share it with their families and make one of their own. So here it is. PS It is long.

The Symbols of Christmas

The Star- Helaman 14:5-6
The Shining Star was the Heavenly sign of promise of long ago ages. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of that fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night - one for each man- now show the burning hope for all mankind.

The Ornament- John 3:16
Red is the first color of Christmas. It was 1st used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed his blood that every man might have God's gift of Eternal Life. It is the symbol of the gift of God.

The Tree - Alma 37:36
The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round. It depicts the everlasting color of nature. All the needles point heavenward - symbols of man's returning thought toward Heaven. The great green tree has been man's best friend; it has sheltered him , warmed him, and made the world beautiful.

The Bell - Luke 15:4-7
The lost Sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for man to return to the fold - it means guidance and return, it further signifies that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.

The Candle - Matt. 5:14-16
The candle shows man's thanks for the star of long ago. Its small light is the mirror of starlight. At first the candles were placed on the tree like many flowing stars shining against the dark green. The colored lights have now taken over remembrance.

The Gift/Bow- 1 Cor. 1:10
A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. "Good will forever" is the message of the bow.

The Candy Cane - Jacob 2:17-19
The candy cane represents the shepherd crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keepers.

The Wreath - John 13:34-35
The wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops, or ends. It is one continuous round of affection.

Santa Claus - Moroni 7:46 (she said "by no way does she want to compare Santa to Christ - it was def. a stretch and just a reminder/symbol")
Santa Claus himself is a symbol. He is the personification of the spirit of selfless giving that is in our hearts at Christmastime.

The Stocking - Isaiah 1:18
The stocking brings to our mind the feet of the Apostles which Jesus washed before his eminent crucifixion upon the cross. This humble act of service done by the King of Kings sets forth the example that we all must follow by serving our fellow man without hesitation, fear or doubt.

The Snowflake - Isaiah 1:18
The snowflake is a symbol that reminds us of the cleansing power that comes through true repentance. Just as there are no two snowflakes alike, so is each of God's children different and unique, yet we all can receive that same forgiveness through the gift of the atonement.

The Angel - Luke 1:26-33 & Luke 2:11-14
The angel atop the tree reminds us of the angel sent down from God to Mary. The Holy messenger bringing "glad tidings of great joy", that the son of God would soon come to earth. We should also remember that multitude of Heavenly hosts that sang "Glory to God in the highest & on earth peace, good will toward men" when the tiny Savior was born unto her.