On the second day of Christmas I once again look around the world with my physical eyes. There are so many traditional displays of the season, most people forgot there true meaning.
First there are the Christmas wreaths; it’s a circle of evergreens branches. The use of the evergreens is to show it’s alive and the circle is to show there is no end to God’s love. It just goes on forever.
Then there is the trees, originally they were used because they were the only trees alive in the winter. They are always alive just like God’s love is all the time.
Then the candy canes. They are white and red for a reason. The white represents the purity of the Lord and the red represents the blood of Jesus.
Then there are my own traditions. I place lights outside to celebrate the light the Lord brought to the world. Yes, I have young kids so I do have a Santa too. It’s interesting how an act of one man over 1000 years ago continues and has changed so much over the years. His clothes have changed, his bread and hair color changed, and even the way he gets around changed. Well I do have my own thoughts around Santa the biggest is you must believe to receive, sounds similar to how you must believe in Jesus to receive his love and direction in your life. It’s interesting how traditions have changed over the years to excite people. The thing that didn’t change is Jesus.
To me the sings and traditions are exciting and joyful, but the real excitement is with the true meaning of Christmas. Talking about the meaning and traditions I am sure you have all heard about the concept that Jesus was not really born on Dec. 25. The date was set by people bringing in a new season, the start of winter. That research just excites me more to thing Jesus birth is the beginning of more light. Some people want to burst the love and joy of Jesus’ birthday. I will continue celebrating his birthday on Dec. 25 and love the joy of the season.
Blessings to you all.
PS. Here are a few more symbols and their means.
Advent Wreath
Four candles placed on a wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of Christ's birthday.
Angel
An angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the tree topper.
Bells
Church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today.
Camels
Camels are the animals the Wiseman rode following the star to where Jesus was born.
Candles
Candles represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred evergreen tree.
Christmas Tree Lights
The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree.
The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wise men to Baby Jesus.
Holly
Holly is a shrub with spiny leaves and red berries. The leaves remain green throughout the year. Pagans thought its greenness was a promise that the sun would return. Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated.
Icicles
Icicles are sometimes used as a tree decoration. As per an old story, the Christ child took shelter for a night under a pine tree. When the tree realized that it was caring for Jesus, tears of happiness fell from its branches. The tears froze into icicles.
Poinsettia
This flower was brought to the U.S. by Dr, J.R. Poinsett in 1825. He was the first United States ambassador to Mexico. Because of its flame leaf, the poinsettia is sometimes called the Christmas Star. A Mexican legend explains how this flower got associated with Christmas. The plants' association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. The tale goes that the child was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations.
Reindeer
Reindeer were the animals chosen by St. Nicholas to pull his sleigh. His reindeers' names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is the most famous.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people.
Shepherds
Shepherds tend sheep. They came to the manger to honor Baby Jesus.
Star
The Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wisemen to Baby Jesus.
Three Wisemen
Three Kings travelled far to see Jesus. They brought their best treasures for gifts.
Gold - a precious metal associated with the power of kings
Frankincense - A resin from a rare and sacred tree used as incense
Myrrh - A resin from a shrub used in making perfume.
First there are the Christmas wreaths; it’s a circle of evergreens branches. The use of the evergreens is to show it’s alive and the circle is to show there is no end to God’s love. It just goes on forever.
Then there is the trees, originally they were used because they were the only trees alive in the winter. They are always alive just like God’s love is all the time.
Then the candy canes. They are white and red for a reason. The white represents the purity of the Lord and the red represents the blood of Jesus.
Then there are my own traditions. I place lights outside to celebrate the light the Lord brought to the world. Yes, I have young kids so I do have a Santa too. It’s interesting how an act of one man over 1000 years ago continues and has changed so much over the years. His clothes have changed, his bread and hair color changed, and even the way he gets around changed. Well I do have my own thoughts around Santa the biggest is you must believe to receive, sounds similar to how you must believe in Jesus to receive his love and direction in your life. It’s interesting how traditions have changed over the years to excite people. The thing that didn’t change is Jesus.
To me the sings and traditions are exciting and joyful, but the real excitement is with the true meaning of Christmas. Talking about the meaning and traditions I am sure you have all heard about the concept that Jesus was not really born on Dec. 25. The date was set by people bringing in a new season, the start of winter. That research just excites me more to thing Jesus birth is the beginning of more light. Some people want to burst the love and joy of Jesus’ birthday. I will continue celebrating his birthday on Dec. 25 and love the joy of the season.
Blessings to you all.
PS. Here are a few more symbols and their means.
Advent Wreath
Four candles placed on a wreath. One candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas in anticipation of Christ's birthday.
Angel
An angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the tree topper.
Bells
Church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today.
Camels
Camels are the animals the Wiseman rode following the star to where Jesus was born.
Candles
Candles represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred evergreen tree.
Christmas Tree Lights
The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree.
The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wise men to Baby Jesus.
Holly
Holly is a shrub with spiny leaves and red berries. The leaves remain green throughout the year. Pagans thought its greenness was a promise that the sun would return. Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated.
Icicles
Icicles are sometimes used as a tree decoration. As per an old story, the Christ child took shelter for a night under a pine tree. When the tree realized that it was caring for Jesus, tears of happiness fell from its branches. The tears froze into icicles.
Poinsettia
This flower was brought to the U.S. by Dr, J.R. Poinsett in 1825. He was the first United States ambassador to Mexico. Because of its flame leaf, the poinsettia is sometimes called the Christmas Star. A Mexican legend explains how this flower got associated with Christmas. The plants' association with Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where legend tells of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. The tale goes that the child was inspired by an angel to gather weeds from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. Crimson "blossoms" sprouted from the weeds and became beautiful poinsettias. From the 17th century, Franciscan friars in Mexico included the plants in their Christmas celebrations.
Reindeer
Reindeer were the animals chosen by St. Nicholas to pull his sleigh. His reindeers' names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is the most famous.
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people.
Shepherds
Shepherds tend sheep. They came to the manger to honor Baby Jesus.
Star
The Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wisemen to Baby Jesus.
Three Wisemen
Three Kings travelled far to see Jesus. They brought their best treasures for gifts.
Gold - a precious metal associated with the power of kings
Frankincense - A resin from a rare and sacred tree used as incense
Myrrh - A resin from a shrub used in making perfume.
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