CHRISMONS PREFACE
Chrismons are ornaments symbolizing the life of Christ. Unlike the Jesse Tree ones just presented in Advent Adventure, these symbolize the life and mission of Jesus Christ. While some of them take reference to the Old Testament, most are rooted in New Testament scripture of practices of the early church.
This author’s first acquaintance with Chrismon ornaments was in a previous church where the members held a workshop to create these ornaments from sheet Styrofoam™ The designs were shaped from patterns, cut with modeling knives, and decorated with gold braid, sequins, and beads. They were hung on a special tree in the sanctuary for the season.
Other applications can be embroidered, or made from fabric, cardboard, or other materials.
Their purpose, like the Jesse Tree ornaments, is to teach our children the true meaning of Christmas, the season for the welcoming of our King, Lord, Master, Messiah, who left heaven to dwell among men.The author is indebted to two fellow Christians who provide these materials on line for interested readers. James at www.whychristmas.com/customs/chrismons, and Carol and Bob Mallette at www.christiansym.com. have generously offered permission for use of their materials in this book.
The author urges you to visit these sites. Descriptions are from the Mallette site; most images are from the whychristmas site, by permission. The images from whychristmas site can be enlarged as patterns by clicking on the designs. Therefore, I have not included larger images for this section. Or, the Chrismon ornaments may be purchased already created from the christiansym site.
This author has learned a wealth of information and hope this is a blessing to you and your family. A new tradition is born in the Jackson Family for this year’s season.
SCRIPTURAL BASIS:[1]
Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him?. . . Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4: 6-9)
Symbols have been used since the church began, sometimes to define the group of early Christians, sometimes for their protection from persecution. Among these are the fish symbol, which, notably
is even today shown on computer communications as <>< among Christians.
Symbols such as the cross and crown have been displayed as Christmas symbology throughout the ages, but the use of Chrismons and the name originated in 1957 when Frances Kipps Spencer decorated a tree in Danville Virginia with these symbols. It has become a ministry of her church since that time.[2]
You will notice these symbols are typically white, symbolizing the purity of Christ, and gold, for His majesty.
These symbols are crafted from many materials, can be handmade, or are available for purchase.[3] Some Christians use these symbols on Christmas trees in their homes or churches.
Again, ornaments can be placed on the tree one day at a time, in any sequence your family chooses.
DAY ONE:
THE FISH
“In its early years, Christianity was an illegal religion. Because of this, the “Sign of the Fish” became a universal symbol that secretly identified believers to one another. The Greek word for “fish” is IXOYS. These five letters were also the first letter (in Greek) of the words JESUS CHRIST, GOD’S SON SAVIOUR. By drawing the “Sign of the Fish”, Christians revealed both their identity and the basis of their faith.”
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,
We remember that many of the early disciples were fishermen when Jesus called them. They knew the ways of the sea, had great respect for nature, and knew that hard work was necessary in this life. They brought many of their life-lessons with them when they came to Jesus as followers.
He promised to make them fishers of men. And indeed they were. From this small band of twelve disciples, the worldwide church was born.
We think of the early Christians who were persecuted. And we think of them today, all over the world, meeting in secret places. We thank You that the fish symbol still means Christ is understood in this place, and thank You for all this symbol still means. We pray protection on Christians who are persecuted for their faith, and thank You for protecting them.
We also think of the times Jesus used fish in His lessons, taking a coin from a fish’s mouth to pay taxes, feeding five thousand people from a few fish, and teaching the fishermen to put their nets down where he told them. When they did, they caught so many fish, it threatened to sink their boat.
Thank You for this symbol and what it means. In Jesus’ Name and for His sake. Amen.
[1] International Children’s Bible
[2] http://www.chrismon.org/chrismons-ministry.html
About the Author
