Chrismons. October 2, 2017

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Ursula Sullivan
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1 Chrismons TM October 2, 2017

2 History Chrismons are ornaments that were first created in 1957 for use on the Christmas Tree of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, by Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer. The designs were monograms of and symbols for our Lord Jesus Christ. Because these designs have been used by his followers since biblical times, they are the heritage of all Christians and serve to remind each of us regardless of denomination of the One we follow. All Chrismons are made in a combination of white and gold to symbolize the purity and majesty of the Son of God and the Son of Man. 1 1 Taken from the Ascension Lutheran Church Website:

Latin Cross: The most common form of the cross.

gift of eternal life. gift of eternal life.

3 Latin Cross: The most common form of the cross. This cross is a reminder of Jesus suffering, which provides the gift of eternal life. Latin Cross: The most common form of the cross. This cross is a reminder of Jesus suffering, which provides the gift of eternal life. Latin Cross: The most common form of the cross. This cross is a reminder of Jesus suffering, which provides the gift of eternal life. Page 1

Calvary Cross: Three steps to the cross: faith, hope and love.

4 Shepherds Crook Cross: The crook represents Jesus as the Good Shepherd who protects and attends to the needs of his flock. Calvary Cross: Three steps to the cross: faith, hope and love. Calvary Cross: Three steps to the cross: faith, hope and love. Page 2

Celtic Cross: This is an ancient cross, found in Ireland

Cross and Crown: The crowns remind us that if we would

5 Celtic Cross: This is an ancient cross, found in Ireland (Celts). The circle symbolizes eternity and/or unity. Celtic Cross: This is an ancient cross, found in Ireland (Celts). The circle symbolizes eternity and/or unity. Cross and Crown: The crowns remind us that if we would have the crown of eternal life, we must take up the cross of Christ. Page 3

6 Loop Cross: The cross with the monogram of the first three letters of Jesus name in Greek. Triune Cross: The Latin cross with a triangle symbolizes the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons. Fusileea Fused Alpha and Cross: We are reminded that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. Jesus stands at the beginning and the end. The Alpha stands for the beginning. Page 4

Fusileew Fused Omega and Cross: We are reminded that Jesus is the Alpha

This represents the victory of the gospel being spread around the world.

7 Fusileew Fused Omega and Cross: We are reminded that Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. Jesus stands at the beginning and the end. The Omega stands for the end. Triumphant Cross: This Latin cross sits atop an orb (the world). This represents the victory of the gospel being spread around the world. Triumphant Cross: This Latin cross sits atop an orb (the world). This represents the victory of the gospel being spread around the world. Page 5

Anchor Cross: The cross of hope, it rises from the crescent moon, which is a symbol of our

Anchor Cross with Fish: The cross of hope, it rises from the crescent moon, which is a

Trefoil Cross with Monogram: Also called the Budding Cross or the Cross of Baptism.

8 Anchor Cross: The cross of hope, it rises from the crescent moon, which is a symbol of our Lord s mother. Anchor Cross with Fish: The cross of hope, it rises from the crescent moon, which is a symbol of our Lord s mother. The fish symbolize the faithful. Trefoil Cross with Monogram: Also called the Budding Cross or the Cross of Baptism. The three-budded clover represents a new believer and is the symbol of the Trinity. The monogram is a symbol of Jesus Christ in the form of an acronym. From Greek it is an abbreviation of the name IHΣΟΥΣ (Jesus). Page 6

Tau Cross with Serpent: A sign of salvation coming from the Old Testament, and

Greek Cross: The Greek cross has four arms of equal length.

artistic Greeks as being a more perfect form.

9 Tau Cross with Serpent: A sign of salvation coming from the Old Testament, and mentioned in John 3:14. Greek Cross: The Greek cross has four arms of equal length. It is a very early form of the Christian cross and may have been developed by the artistic Greeks as being a more perfect form. Staurogram or Tau Rho: The staurogram was first used to abbreviate stauros (σταυρός), the Greek word for cross in very early New Testament manuscripts. It visually represents Jesus on the cross. Page 7

Staurogram or Tau Rho: The staurogram was first used to abbreviate stauros (σταυρός), the Greek word for

The curved bottom represents the lower case Omega. Page 8

10 Staurogram or Tau Rho: The staurogram was first used to abbreviate stauros (σταυρός), the Greek word for cross in very early New Testament manuscripts. It visually represents Jesus on the cross. Staurogram or Tau Rho: The staurogram was first used to abbreviate stauros (σταυρός), the Greek word for cross in very early New Testament manuscripts. It visually represents Jesus on the cross. Staurogram or Tau Rho: The staurogram was first used to abbreviate stauros (σταυρός), the Greek word for cross in very early New Testament manuscripts. It visually represents Jesus on the cross. The curved bottom represents the lower case Omega. Page 8

Iota Chi: The first letters in the Greek words for Jesus Christ.

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

The chi in the position of the cross represents Christ s crucifixion.

11 Iota Chi: The first letters in the Greek words for Jesus Christ. 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. The butterfly is the symbol of the resurrection. Chi Rho: Two Greek letters which are the first letters in the Greek word for Christ. Page 9

Chi Rho: Two Greek letters which are the first letters in the Greek word for

Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, they are the

Circle, Cross, Chi and Butterfly: A circle with the Greek cross.

12 Chi Rho: Two Greek letters which are the first letters in the Greek word for Christ. The one on the right includes the Alpha and Omega. Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, they are the symbols of the divinity, the beginning and the end. Circle, Cross, Chi and Butterfly: A circle with the Greek cross. The circle symbolizes the eternal life with God. The gold chi (X) represents Christ dying on the cross. The butterfly represents the resurrection. Page 10

Eternal Holy Spirit with Butterfly: A circle with the Greek cross.

The butterfly is the symbol of the resurrection.

The letters from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus Christ, God s

13 Eternal Holy Spirit with Butterfly: A circle with the Greek cross. The circle symbolizes eternal life with God. The butterfly is the symbol of the resurrection. Fish: The fish represents the sign used by early Christians for the Savior. The letters from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. Fish: The fish represents the sign used by early Christians for the Savior. The letters from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. Page 11

Fish: The fish represents the sign used by early Christians for the

I am the good shepherd. Shepherds are present at the nativity. Page 12

14 Fish: The fish represents the sign used by early Christians for the Savior. The letters from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. Fish: The fish represents the sign used by early Christians for the Savior. The letters from the Greek word for fish (ichthus), stand for Jesus Christ, God s Son, Savior. Shepherd s Crook: Jesus said, I am the good shepherd. Shepherds are present at the nativity. Page 12

Also, the star can represent the five wounds of Jesus on the cross (hands, feet, and side).

15 Christ in the Manger: Symbolizes the nativity. Christ is born into the world. Epiphany Star: To the gentiles, the star was the first manifestation of the Christ child. The star led the three wise men to the nativity. Also, the star can represent the five wounds of Jesus on the cross (hands, feet, and side). Star: To the gentiles, the star was the first manifestation of the Christ child. The star led the three wise men to the nativity. Also, the five pointed star can represent the five wounds of Jesus on the cross (hands, feet, and side). The eight pointed star represents the Star of the Nativity. Page 13

God s Eye: We are reminded that God can see even into the

Lamp of Truth: Stands for wisdom and knowledge.

16 God s Eye: We are reminded that God can see even into the depths of the human heart. Cup: The cup is a symbol of the Last Supper or Communion. It also represents God s forgiveness. Lamp of Truth: Stands for wisdom and knowledge. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105) In the middle are the first three letters of Jesus name in Greek. Page 14

Pitcher: Christ as Healer is represented by the pitcher,

Monogram: A monogram being a symbol of Jesus Christ in the form of

From Greek it is an abbreviation of the name IHΣΟΥΣ (Jesus).

17 Pitcher: Christ as Healer is represented by the pitcher, traditionally used to contain oil for anointing the sick. Monogram: A monogram being a symbol of Jesus Christ in the form of an acronym. From Greek it is an abbreviation of the name IHΣΟΥΣ (Jesus). Tribune: The Tribune is a shamrock (three leaves) that symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The roses are a symbol of the nativity of our Lord. Page 15

Ascension Butterfly: The butterfly represents Christ s ascension into

Shell: The shell is a historic symbol for baptism.

18 Ascension Butterfly: The butterfly represents Christ s ascension into heaven. The life of Christ is often associated with the three stages of metamorphosis of the butterfly: birth, death, and resurrection. Shell: The shell is a historic symbol for baptism. It reminds Christians that they were baptized into God s covenant family. Sand Dollar: Known as the Holy Ghost shell. The markings recall events in the life of Christ. Page 16

Lamb: The lamb is a symbol for Jesus who is called the The Lamb

Fleur-De-Lis: The Fleur-De-Lis is the conventionalized form of

19 Lamb: The lamb is a symbol for Jesus who is called the The Lamb of God, because he offered the final sacrifice. Lamb: The lamb is a symbol for Jesus who is called the The Lamb of God, because he offered the final sacrifice. Fleur-De-Lis: The Fleur-De-Lis is the conventionalized form of the lily, the flower of the Virgin Mary, and the symbol of the annunciation of Jesus. Page 17

Triangle: The triangle symbolizes the Holy

It is the symbol for the Father, Son, and

20 Triangle: The triangle symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The Trinity: The Trinity is represented in various ways throughout history. It is the symbol for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Flame: The flames are a symbol of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Page 18

Crown: The crown is the symbol that Jesus is King.

and earth. and earth. and earth. Page 19

21 Crown: The crown is the symbol that Jesus is King. It shows that Christians believe Jesus is ruler over heaven and earth. Crown: The crown is the symbol that Jesus is King. It shows that Christians believe Jesus is ruler over heaven and earth. Crown: The crown is the symbol that Jesus is King. It shows that Christians believe Jesus is ruler over heaven and earth. Page 19

Cornerstone: As God s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the

Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God.

Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God.

22 Cornerstone: As God s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20 On the cornerstones are various symbols of Christ. Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. A descending dove represents the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and at Jesus baptism. Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God. Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. A descending dove represents the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and at Jesus baptism. Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God. Page 20

23 Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. A descending dove represents the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and at Jesus baptism. Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God. Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. A descending dove represents the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and at Jesus baptism. Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God. Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. A descending dove represents the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and at Jesus baptism. Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God. Page 21

24 Dove: The dove represents innocence and purity; signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God. A descending dove represents the presence of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and at Jesus baptism. Some include a circle with the Greek cross which symbolizes eternal life with God. Page 22

25 Bibliography Chrismon Dedication Book. Fort Worth: First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, Print. "Chrismon Ornaments." Allen-Lee Memorial United Methodist Church. Web. 12 July "Chrismon Ornaments." New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Web. 12 July Chrismons. East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Web. 12 July Donelson, Paul G., ed. Christian Symbols Often Used for Banners, Worship, and Chrismons. DeTour, MI: UMCS.org, Print. Page 23

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