The Advent Wreath: circle of the wreath symbolizes life without end… evergreen symbolizes life amidst the darkness/death of winter… candles represent Jesus, the Light of the world.

 

The Poinsettia: comes to us from Mexico where it is called “Flor de la Noche Buena” – “Flower of the Holy Night”. It is thought to resemble the star of Bethlehem. It was brought into the United States in 1828 by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico.

 

 The Christmas Tree:  was brought into this country by the Pennsylvania Germans. An early legend attributes the custom of the Christmas tree to St. Boniface who was a missionary to the Germanic Druids. He is said to have pointed to a small evergreen and told the Druids to accept it as the tree of the Christ child. Boniface told them that it was the wood of peace because their homes were built of it. And it was the sign of everlasting life because its leaves were always green. Whenever they looked upon it they were to think of God’s loving gifts and to remember to do acts of kindness.

 

Mistletoe: it is considered a plant of peace. Enemies who met under it would not fight but would call a truce for the day. Today it is connected with the symbolism of affection.

Holly: the red berries are a reminder of the drops of blood that Jesus shed and the pointed leaves are a symbol of the crown of thorns. 

Gift-giving: Christians offer each other gifts to express their joy over the coming of Jesus who is God’s gift to humanity and to express the love they have for one another.

Las Posadas: is a traditional Hispanic observance of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. The purpose of the ritual is to prepare for the spiritual significance of the Feast of Christmas.

 

Jesse Tree: a tree or branch on which to hang symbols tracing the genealogy of Christ. Different symbols can be designed or decorated using the many different books that have scriptural verses and suggested symbols.

 

Advent Calendar: a calendar defining daily actions/prayers in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

 

Christmas Lights: represent Christ who brought light and joy into the world.