The symbols of Christmas

Christmas is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ. The occasion promises life, enthusiasm, love, care, affection and family bond.

As we were putting up up our Christmas Tree, Mama said we should know why we are using these decorations. So here is what we learn't. 

Paper Mache(papier mache) bought in Kashmir

 The Star: A heavenly sign of prophecy fulfilled thousands of years ago, reflecting our thanks for the Star of Bethlehem. A beautiful example of light, as a symbol of the coming into this world. 

 bell bought at our local market

The Bell:  The sound of bells at midnight Mass, announces the birth of Christ on earth. Ringing the bell symbolizes medium between heaven and earth.

Alrich brother decorated this candle

The Candle:  represents Jesus guiding us from darkness of the world. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. And Jesus said to us, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

The Candy Cane: The shape of candy cane is letter ‘J’ which stands for Jesus; Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd. It also represents the shape of the shepherd's staff, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold.

Mama's last years handmade wreaths

The Wreath:  A symbol of the never-ending eternal value of love. The wreath has no beginning and no end it symbolizes at Christmas that the love of God never ends. the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end.

Gifted by Uncle Francis

The Gift Bow:  we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill always.

Imitation of the Poinsettias in our vase

The Poinsettia: The Bright, flaming red, star-shaped leaf pattern Poinsettias symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. The Mexicans call it the "flower of the holy night," and associate it with a story about a little girl who cried on her way to church on Christmas Eve because she had no gift to bring. So she took this wild flower while passing by the road.Also known as the Flame Leaf, it’s the famous beloved Christmas flower in American cities. 

Decorating the Tree at home

The Christmas Tree: Always Evergreen, shows everlasting life.  The needles point up to heaven and the constant presence of God.

Mama's handmade Christmas decoration on the tree

The Gift:  What gift should we give baby Jesus, this is what we should be asking ourselves, what should he deserve from us? Christmas is a time giving,receiving gifts. 

The only gift is a portion of thyself (Ralph Waldo Emerson). I love and will remember this quote for a very very long time.