Mt. Lebanon Christmas Traditions

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Marcus Francis
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1 Mt. Lebanon Christmas Traditions

2 The Advent Wreath The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreens, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world. Evergreens Green represents renewal, new life, freshness, and rebirth. Plants such as pine, fir, holly, ivy, and mistletoe are called evergreens because they do not die; throughout the seasons of the year they remain ever green- ever-alive. We use evergreens to deck our sanctuary and halls to prepare for the new and eternal love Christ s birth brought to us. Christmas Poinsettias The Christmas Poinsettias received their name in the United States in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant into the country in Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico. He sent cuttings of the plant he had discovered in Southern Mexico to his home in Charleston, South Carolina. The word Poinsettia is traditionally capitalized because it is named after a person. In Mexico, the plant was referred to as the Flower of the Holy Night. This beautiful flower speaks to us symbolically in several ways. First, the star-shaped formation of the red leaves call to mind the star which shone at the first Christmas. The red leaves/flowers remind us of Christ s red blood shed for us. The white colored flowers represent His purity. It is a tradition at Mt. Lebanon to place poinsettias in the Sanctuary in honor of and in memory of someone important in their lives. Chrismon Tree The evergreen tree, which symbolizes the eternal life which our savior has won for us, is a background for tiny white lights and gold and white ornaments called Chrismons. White is the liturgical color of Christmas and refers to the Lord s Purity and Perfection. Gold refers the His Majesty and Glory. The lights on the tree speak of Him Who is the Light of the World. The purpose of the Chrismons is to proclaim the Name, the Life, and the saving Acts of Jesus Christ.

by Frances Spencer and the women of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA.

season decorated with handmade ornaments. Descending Dove: The dove expresses innocence and purity.

His baptism. Chi Roe: Monogram for Christ.

3 What are Chrismons? Ornaments made from Christian symbols (or Chrismons, a contraction for 'Christ monograms') were first developed by Frances Spencer and the women of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA. Both MLUMC and KUMC, along with many other churches display a Chrismon tree during the Advent and Christmas season decorated with handmade ornaments. Descending Dove: The dove expresses innocence and purity. It signifies the Holy Spirt and the presence of God as hovering over the water at creation and above Jesus at His baptism. Chi Roe: Monogram for Christ. Two Greek letters, which are first letters in the Greek work for Christ: XPICTOC Lamb: In the New Testament, the lamb is often used figuratively to symbolize Christ and His sacrifice. Chalice: The cup symbolizing the sacrament of Eucharist or Communion; it also represents forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which signifies

Fish or Isthmus: The Greek word for fish.

Christogram with Cross, Chi Rho, Triangle and M: The Chi Rho, Cross and Triangle are

M is the monogram for his mother, Mary, which suggests His humanity.

4 Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which signifies that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things. Fish or Isthmus: The Greek word for fish. This is an acrostic for the Greek words meaning Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. Christogram with Cross, Chi Rho, Triangle and M: The Chi Rho, Cross and Triangle are familiar symbols of Christ and the Trinity. M is the monogram for his mother, Mary, which suggests His humanity. Triangle: The geometric figure had three separate and distinct sides. It has been used for centuries to suggest the one God who has presented Himself to man in three ways: The Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Celtic Cross: The circle represents the sun or eternity.

Baptism. Butterfly: Symbol of the resurrection and eternal life.

body, so through Jesus Christ are his followers born to a new

5 Celtic Cross: The circle represents the sun or eternity. However, some think that the circle was merely a support for the heavy arms of the original crosses. Eight-pointed Star: Refers to the regeneration through Holy Baptism. Butterfly: Symbol of the resurrection and eternal life. As the butterfly leaves the cocoon and soars upward with a new body, so through Jesus Christ are his followers born to a new life. Trefoil: Three circles interposed symbolize the unity of the Trinity, yet the separate Persons thereof.

Cross in Eternity: The circle represents eternity; the cross reminds us of God s gift of

Cross Potent: The Savior s spiritual and physical healing powers are represented by this

The chi in its normal position represents Christ (chi is the first letter in the Greek word

Together they remind us of what the baby in the manger came to earth to do.

6 Cross in Eternity: The circle represents eternity; the cross reminds us of God s gift of eternal life and forgiveness. Cross Potent: The Savior s spiritual and physical healing powers are represented by this cross. Cross and Chi: Two chi s superimposed upon one another. The chi in its normal position represents Christ (chi is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ). The chi in the position of the cross represents Christ s crucifixion. Together they remind us of what the baby in the manger came to earth to do. Cross Pattée: Resembles the Maltese cross. A beautiful form of the cross used widely for decorative purposes. It has been used to identify a Christian Warrior. The letters "NIKA" is the word for "Victor" in Greek.

The Anchor Cross: Cross of Hope; we see two figures, the cross and the crescent

symbol for the virgin Mother of our Lord.

death to those who believe in the crucified Savior.

The X imposed on the cross represents Christ dying on the cross.

7 The Anchor Cross: Cross of Hope; we see two figures, the cross and the crescent moon. The cross, a representation of our Savior, rises out of the moon, an ancient symbol for the virgin Mother of our Lord. Cross and Crown: These symbolize the reward of the faithful in the life after death to those who believe in the crucified Savior. Circle and Cross: The Circle symbolizes the world, God's wholeness, and eternity. The X imposed on the cross represents Christ dying on the cross. Crown and Manger: The Nativity of the Christ. Often with a nimbus to the divinity of the child. The crown above the manger reminds us that Christ came to heaven to the manger.

Circle/Faith Ball: Symbol of eternity, the endless circle, defines the

is no more. God s eternal love; or eternal life with God.

Latin or Roman Cross: Most widely used form of the cross.

upon. Cornerstone: Christ is the stone that the builders rejected, but

8 Circle/Faith Ball: Symbol of eternity, the endless circle, defines the eternal nature of God who was before time began and who will be when time is no more. God s eternal love; or eternal life with God. Five Point Star or Epiphany Star: Our Savoir; Manifestation of the Son The Latin or Roman Cross: Most widely used form of the cross. It is believed that this was the type of cross that Christ was crucified upon. Cornerstone: Christ is the stone that the builders rejected, but which has turned up construction of God's eternal Temple. It may be decorated with vario (anchor-cross, Chi-halo, etc.)

CHRISMONS. East Liberty Presbyterian Church 116 South Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA

CHRISMONS. East Liberty Presbyterian Church 116 South Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA CHRISMONS East Liberty Presbyterian Church 116 South Highland Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206-3985 CHRISMONS The word Chrismon is a combination of the words Christ and monogram. The word Chrismon has been