The Meaning of Christmas Decorations


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The Meaning of Christmas Decorations Anoka Primary Quarterly Activity, Anoka Minnesota All scripture notations are from the authorized King James Bible and The Book of Mormon. Digital copies of both are available at www.lds.org.

Lights/Candles – Jesus is the light of the world. His Gospel shows us life as it really is. His teachings and mission dispel darkness and bring hope. John 8: 12 - Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Mosiah 16:9 - He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.

Wreaths – It’s the shape of wreaths that is important to its symbolism. Wreaths are circles – without beginning or end, eternal. Jesus is eternal life. Following Jesus brings us back to our Father in Heaven. The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that families are eternal. John 17:3 - And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Green & Evergreen Plants: Pine Trees, Holly, Ivy – These plants are green all year round. They never look dead during the growing season. Evergreens remind us that Christ’s mission on earth gave us everlasting life. His resurrection conquered death and we will live again after this life. Green is the color of most living healthy things. Holly is particularly symbolic of the atonement. Its thorns and blood red berries remind us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore and his blood spilt for us. Holly’s evergreen status reminds us that Jesus still lives and because of his sacrifice, eternal life is also ours. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Christmas trees were originally decorated with fruits, berries, flowers, nuts and cookies. Food is life giving to us. Christmas tree balls are the same general shape as fruit. We also often decorate with tinsel, icicles, and snowflakes which are frozen water. Jesus described his mission and teachings as things as important to our souls as food and water is to our bodies. John 6: 35 - And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 4: 14 - But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

By Anna Dailey – Anoka, Minnesota – December 2009 – Page 1

Decorating with Gold, Silver and other shiny colors. We use beautiful elegant decorations at Christmas because we are celebrating the birthday of a King. Jesus is our King and we honor Him with the best we have to give and use. Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Giving Gifts – Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. The birthday of our King. Three kings in ancient times left their responsibilities and traveled for a very long time to honor the birth of Christ. They brought gifts special enough to give to another king of that day, gold, frankincense and myrrh (precious metal, and expensive perfumes). We give gifts to each other to remember the gifts the Magi gave Jesus. Matthew 2:11 - And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Red – The color red reminds us of the blood of Christ, which was shed for us to pay for our sins. Because Christ died for us, we are able to repent and be clean from sin so we can be with God again after this life. Red reminds us of Christ’s mission as the Son of God on earth. Using red and white also symbolizes the atonement of Jesus Christ and its effect on our lives. Because of the blood of the atonement we can become pure and clean from sin. Most of our Christmas traditions come from Europe, and many from Germany. Poinsettias are a new addition to Christmas decorating in North America and Europe. Poinsettias come from Central America and became popular only a few decades ago. Matthew 26:28 - For this is my blood … which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 3 Nephi 18:11 - And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you. Isaiah 1:18 - Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Stars – A new star appeared in the sky to announce the birth of Jesus & led the Magi to Him. Decorating with stars reminds us both that Christ is real and that we should make room for Him in our lives (come unto Christ). Matthew 2: 1, 2 - Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew 2: 9-10 - When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Helaman 14:5 - And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

By Anna Dailey – Anoka, Minnesota – December 2009 – Page 2

Candy Canes & Angels – On the night of Jesus’ birth, angels appeared to poor shepherds working outside at night and told them about the birth of the Savior. The shepherds went to honor Christ and then told others. Candy canes are in the shape of shepherds’ crooks/staves. The red and white color of traditional candy canes reminds us of the Atonement (see ‘Red’ above). Candy Canes and Angels remind us that telling others about Jesus brings great joy to them and us. They also remind us that the invitation to follow Jesus Christ is for the powerful (the Magi) and the poor (the shepherds). Candy Canes also remind us that Christ described himself as a shepherd with us as the sheep he is watching over. His teachings protect us and He works to take care of us. Luke 2: 8-18 - And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night… And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord…. John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Alma 5:38 - Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.

(Optional-I prepared this but chose not to use it so as to preserve the younger children’s belief in Santa as a real person. This section would be more appropriate for use with the youth or adults.) Santa – Saint Nicolas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas. Saint Nicholas of Myra is most frequently noted as the origin of our Santa Claus tradition. He was a 4th-century Christian bishop of Myra (part of modern Turkey). Nicholas was famous for his generous gifts to the poor, in particular presenting the three impoverished daughters of a pious Christian family with dowries. He was very religious from an early age and devoted his life entirely to Christianity. In our modern tradition, it’s Santa’s behavior that points us to Jesus Christ. Santa’s mission is one of service, giving to others and taking nothing for himself. Service is an important teaching and attribute of Jesus Christ. Santa also wears the colors which remind us of Christ’s sacrifice and service to us. Mosiah 2:17 - …when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. John 13: 3-6, 12-15, 17 – 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to awash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel where with he was girded. 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. President Spencer W. Kimball: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs” (“Small Acts of Service,” Ensign, Dec. 1974, p. 5).

By Anna Dailey – Anoka, Minnesota – December 2009 – Page 3