The Chrismons
The Chrismons (Christ-Monogram) proclaim the Name, the Life, and the Saving Acts of Jesus Christ. The evergreen tree symbolizes the eternal life which our Savior has won for us. The "Chrismons" are made in combinations of gold and white. White, the liturgical color for Christmas, refers to our Lord's purity and perfection; Gold, to His majesty and glory. Tiny lights on the tree symbolize Christ as the Light of the World. A Chrismon tree decorated with symbols from Christian history tells a story of the true meaning of Christmas. Below is a guide to the meaning of each Chrismon design. See if you can identify some of the symbols in the pictures to the right.
The Cornerstone: Ephesians 2:19 and 20: "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone."
The Lamp: Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
The Cross Crosslet: stands for the spread of the Christian faith to the four corners of the earth.
Three Fish United to Form A Circle: reminds us that all three persons of the Trinity contribute to our salvation
Cross with Orb: symbolizes Christ's dominion over the world
Anchor Cross with Fish: symbolizes the faithful.
The Cross: The letters stand for "Jesus Christ conquers"
Double Triangle: represents the Creator's Star, the Father, and the six days of creation
The Christmas Rose: symbolizes the nativity of our Lord
The Ship: is symbolic of the church as it was opposed by persecution during the early days of Christianity
The Chi Rho with Alpha and Omega: The Chi Rho is the oldest monogram of Christ. The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, thus the beginning and end are symbolic.
Three Entwined Circles: are a symbol for the Holy Trinity
The Fish: use of the fish as a symbol for early Christians developed because the letters of the Greek word for fish, Ichthus, formed an acrostic on the phrase Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.
The Crown: is a symbol of the Kingship of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
The Shepherd's Crook: A cross hung with Alpha and Omega to show that this staff refers to the Good Shepherd
The Fleur de Lis: is the flower of the Virgin Mary
The Butterfly: is a symbol of New Life and the Resurrection
The Letters I.H.S.: are the initial letters of Jesus Hominum Salvator, meaning, Jesus, Savior of Man
The Anchor Cross: is an early symbol meaning steadfastness and hope.
The Seven Flames: are a symbol of the coming of the Holy Spirit
The Fleur-de-Lis cross: has a symbol of Purity at each arm's end.
The Brazen Serpent on a Tau Cross: refers to John 3:14, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up."
The Chalice: is used to symbolize the Passion of Christ. Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
The Lamb: is the symbol of Jesus Christ. John 1:29 says, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."
The Cross of Christ and the Twelve Apostles
The Coptic Cross with Birds represents the faithful
The Sand Dollar: is also known as the Holy Spirit shell. It's markings recall events in the life of Christ.
The Descending Dove: represents the Holy Spirit
The Stylized Fish: was an easily made and recognized sign used by the early Christians
The Shell: signifies the Baptism of Jesus
The Sun of Righteousness: symbolizes our Lord as prophecied in Malachi 4:2, "But for you who bear my name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings."