Start on December 1st and read and discuss one every morning to the morning of December 25th
Red:
The first color of Christmas, symbolizing the Savior’s sacrifice for us all.
Green:
The second color of Christmas, showing everlasting life.
Elves:
Busy all year making toys, reminds us we should be always, without ceasing, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Caroling:
Carols are beautiful reminders of the miracle of Christ's birth.
Angels:
Angels told special shepherds of the birth of Jesus.
Bells:
Bells ring out to guide lost sheep back to the fold – signifying that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
Gift Bow:
A bow tied as we should all be, together in bonds of goodwill forever.
Mistletoe:
Believed to have special healing powers just as Christ healed all that believed. Kissing under the mistletoe is thought to bring a greater love between each other.
Candles:
Candles represent Christ as being the "Light of the World."
Candy Cane:
The shepherd’s crook is used to bring lambs back into the fold, a reminder that we all are our brother’s keeper. Red and White- the blood that was shed for us and makes our sins white.
Saint Nicholas:
Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people, just as Jesus loved and served all men.
Reindeer and Sleigh:
Reindeer were chosen to pull Saint Nicholas' sleigh; which is full of love and gifts. Jesus also came to Earth to give gifts to all.
Stocking:
Saint Nicholas, wanted to remain anonymous to help a poor family, so he threw gold coins down their chimney. They fell into a stocking that was hanging there to dry. It can help us remember all of the small gifts we are given from above.
Christmas tree:
The needles point heavenward, helping us to keep our thoughts towards heaven.
Tree Lights:
A mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the Star of Bethlehem. Red: Christ’s blood shed for us all. Blue: Our royal heritage. Green: Everlasting love Christ has for us. White: So our sins shall be if we repent because of Jesus Christ. Yellow/Orange: The golden streets in Heaven.
The Turtle Dove:
The Dove with an olive branch is a symbol of peace. It represents the Holy Ghost, who gives us wisdom and strength.
Holly:
Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated. The thorns remind us of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore. The holly berries grow in clusters of three; they remind us of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
Gifts:
The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wisemen to Baby Jesus. The gold symbolized Jesus’ kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His suffering and death. When we open our gifts we can remember the birth of Jesus, the greatest of all gifts given to us from our Heavenly Father.
Three Wisemen:
Three Kings traveled far to see Jesus. They brought their best treasures for gifts.
Star:
The Star of Bethlehem guided the three Wisemen to Baby Jesus. A sign of promise and shining hope of mankind.
Shepherds:
Special shepherds were invited to visit the baby Jesus by Angels. They can remind us that the Lord is our shepherd.
Snow Flake:
Snow flakes are creations from heaven; each one unique, just as Christ created us special in our own way.
Nativity:
The Nativity helps us remember the humble surroundings where Jesus was born.
Wreath:
The circle of the wreath is a symbol of the never ending eternal nature of love. A continuous round having no beginning and no end. It should remind us of all the things of Christmas.
Jesus:
The birth of Jesus Christ is the true meaning of Christmas.
An interesting side note: Written in this book I got "The Symbols of Christmas" by Robert Adams, he explained something very wonderful! Have you ever wondered why those particular shepherds were chosen to be visited by the Angels? Apparently, there was only ONE group of shepherds chosen to raise the temple flock which provided the Passover Lamb. They would take the ewe from the rest of the flock when it came time for her to give birth to the lamb. They did this so there would be no blemishes. When the lamb was born they would clean it then wrap the lamb in swaddling clothes (tight binding strips of cloth) to strengthen it's legs as it tried to get up. These shepherds were the only ones that would understand the significance of the Angel's words "And this will be a sign given to you; you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
The conclusion to this book states as follows:
Just as Santa Claus must go to all the world and into every home, so must the news of Christ's coming, death, resurrection, and His coming again go to every part of the world, to every home, and to every heart possible.
Isn't that wonderful!
A Christmas Prayer for you all, once again taken out of this wonderful book.
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