One of the ways to include Jesus in our Christmas is to be mindful of the meaning behind the symbols of Christmas. They are quite profound!
In past years, I’ve placed an ornament/symbol at each place setting. Each symbol is accompanied with an explanation and corresponding verse. Following dinner while eating dessert, each guest takes a turn and reads the meaning of the symbol at their place setting. It’s a beautiful way to graft the ‘true meaning’ of Christmas into our celebrations. Often, it will spur meaningful conversation. I find that unless we are really intentional, our celebrations can be totally absent of Jesus.
(A full explanation of each symbol and the corresponding scriptures can be found in the 25 Days of Christmas for Your Heart and Home.)
Angels
The angel at Christmas is a symbol of the angels that appeared to the shepherds to announce that Jesus had been born. So every time you see an angel decoration, may it remind you of the good news the angels were sent to proclaim: Jesus had been born! Luke 2:8-11
Gold Decorations
The gold decorations you see at Christmas all point to Jesus. Gold symbolizes the royalty of Jesus because He is the King of all Kings. Revelation 19:15-16
The Color Red at Christmas
The color red at Christmas is a symbol of Jesus’ blood. When you see red in poinsettias, ribbons or red decorations on a Christmas tree, let it remind you of the blood that Jesus shed for you and me.
Stars
The star at Christmas symbolizes two things. First, it is a symbol of the star over Bethlehem that led the wise men from the east to baby Jesus. Second, it stands for the challenge Christ gives to all believers to “shine like stars in the universe.”
Wreaths
Wreaths are a symbol of the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head while He was beaten prior to His crucifixion. So the next time you see a wreath on a door or as a centerpiece on a table or bedecked with candles in the four weeks before Christmas (that many Christians recognize as Advent), let it remind you of the pain Jesus endured for you.
Lights
You see lights at Christmas because Jesus is the Light of the World, and he calls Christians to be light in a dark world. So whenever you see lights on a Christmas tree or candles in the windows, let it remind you and challenge you to be a light in the world.
Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree is a symbol of the body of Christ, so the next time you see a Christmas Tree, let it remind you of the strength and beauty of Christ’s own people.
Gifts at Christmas
The reason we receive gifts at Christmas time is because of the gift that God gave to you and me; His son, Jesus Christ. God loves us all so much. He wants each one of us to have a personal relationship with Him. But the things we’ve done wrong (sin) separate us from being right with Him. However, He tells us that those who receive this Gift – Jesus – and to those who believe in His name, He gives the right to become His children.
Each time you see gifts under the tree, let it remind you of the Gift that has been given to you from God.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
