 | ||||||
| ||||||
The Meaning of the Ornaments
My grandmother used to tell me tales of all the ornaments on the tree. When my own children were old enough to comprehend their meanings, I told them the beloved stories, and now my grandchildren are enjoying them as well.
The star on top of the tree symbolizes the star of Bethlehem that shone, leading the three wise men to the stable where Jesus lay.
The lights are all the other stars twinkling in the sky.
The garland wraps around the tree like a mother's arms wrapped around her babe, loving and protecting it.
The round ornaments signify the earth that God created for man. The colors are different and each represents something special. Red is for Jesus' blood that was shed to redeem us. Blue is for the skies that glow by sunlight during the day and shimmer by moonlight during the night. Green is for the trees and plants that God created to provide food for us. Silver and gold are for the rich blessings that He has given us.
The tinsel glistens like little sparks of fire, like the fire Joseph probably made to keep Mary and Jesus warm.
And the tree itself is full of life, adorned, standing proudly and pointing to heaven where Jesus waits for us...the tree seems to say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus, Happy Birthday!"
Best wishes from the elves, reindeer, and of course Mrs. Claus as well.
Santa "St. Nick" Claus
Janet Smith
When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow, We hear sweet voices ringing from lands of long ago, And etched on vacant places Are half-forgotten faces Of friends we used to cherish, and loves we used to know.
--Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to when Christians were persecuted for saying Mass. A simple candle in the window meant that Mass would be celebrated there that night.
