Advent
The season of Advent. A much-anticipated time when we, as Christians, prepare for the celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas.
Chrismon Tree
Chrismon ornaments were first developed by Frances Kipps Spencer at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. In 1957, Mrs. Spencer began thinking about a way to decorate the Christmas tree in her church that would be more suitable for a Sanctuary. She thought that the traditional bright ornaments were not appropriate for a worship setting and began looking for something that would reflect the Christian faith.
Thinking of the tradition of decorating a birthday cake with the honoree’s name, Mrs. Spencer decided to place the name of Jesus and his title, Christ, on the tree. Rather than using English, however, she used the Greek monograms. Thus the Greek “Chi Rho” became one of the earliest Chrismons because they are monograms for Christos, the Greek word for Christ. These simple monograms and some crosses decorated the first Chrismon Tree.
Over the years, Frances Spencer added other designs using signs and symbols utilized by the early Christians. As these designs increased in number, they included references to Jesus’ life, ministry, and teachings. Chrismons are traditionally white, gold, and/or silver. White is the Church color for Christmas and symbolizes his Majesty and Glory. Chrismons can be made from anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used. Symbols such as stars, crosses, fish, crowns, and the alpha and omega remind us of Christ's identity, his story, and of the Holy Trinity.
This Chrismon Tree was designed and decorated members of First Lewisville. Our Chrismons are special to us because each of them has been handmade with love and care. After Christmas the Chrismons will be gently stored so that they may be hung each Christmas.
Chrismon examples
Creator's Star
The six-pointed star, called the Star of David, is a reminder of the six days of creation (Exodus 20:1).
Alpha and Omega
The Greek alphabet's first and last letters are called Alpha and Omega. They signify that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things. The Holy Bible's final book, Revelation, reveals that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the Word, meaning, the First Word through whom all things came into being, and the Last Word by whom all receive judgment. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8 NIV).
Angel
The Angel Chrismon represents the messengers of God, who announced the birth and Resurrection of Christ.
Fish
Persecuted followers of Christ used the symbol of a fish as a sign to identify themselves secretly. The initials (IXOYC), the Greek word for fish, represented Jesus Christ, God's Son, and the Savior.
Bells
The primary purpose of ringing church bells is to let worshippers know when to assemble. The "joyful noise" of the bells signifies God's presence in the world. In the Old Testament, God instructed gold bells to be alternated with pomegranates and sewn into the high priest's, Aaron's, robe hem to announce when he entered and come out of the sanctuary. "Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out so that he will not die" (Exodus 28:35 NIV).
Butterfly
The butterfly is the symbol of resurrection. The three stages of the butterfly's metamorphosis symbolize the Life, Death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Celtic Cross
Originating from the Celts of Ireland, the Circle symbolizes eternity or the unity of man.
Chi Rho
Chi Ro (XP) is a Greek symbol for Christ. "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.'" (John 8:12 NIV).
Crosses of Crucifixion
The crucifixion symbolizes the victory over suffering and death.
Crown of Seven Peaks
The Crown represents the Kingship of Jesus Christ and His place of honor at the right hand of God. Seven symbolizes completeness and perfection. The seven-point Crown highlights the number seven, which is used 735 times in the Bible. The seven points remind us of Christ's complete and perfect victory over sin and death. "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown" (Revelation 3:11 NIV).
Gold Crown of Thorns
The Gold Crown represents the suffering of Christ. "The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, 'Hail, king of the Jews!' And they slapped him in the face'" (John 19:2–3 NIV).
Epiphany Star
The five-pointed star, or Epiphany Star, announces the birth of Christ. A prophecy from the Old Testament told that "A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel" (Numbers 24:17 NIV). Jacob fathered twelve sons who became the tribes of Israel.
Crown of 10 Commandments
The Crown Chrismon symbolizes the Kingship of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. The ten points on the Crown represent the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God.
Dove
Represented by the Dove, The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at the time of His Baptism. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment, Heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him" (Matthew 3:16 NIV).
Triquetra
The Christmon, with three equal arcs, expresses eternity in its continuous form and indivisibility in its interweaving. It symbolizes the One God who showed Himself to humanity in three separate and distinct persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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