Christmas Symbols Pointing to Christ

"Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more." -The Grinch

It is easy to become overwhelmed with the Christmas season and all of its commercialized messages. However, there is much good (and awesomeness!) that is found within the food, shopping, colors, sights, that actually ALL point to the birth of our Savior!

We have compiled a list of the seemingly ordinary symbols that we find at Christmas time, to show you that they are actually the extraordinary! Look upon each symbol as a powerful witness of Christ and His love for us.

Let it be said of us, "that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge." -Ebenezer Scrooge

Acts of Service/Kind Deeds: Following Christ's example of the many kind deeds and acts of service He performed. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Angel: An angel announced to the shepherds about the birth of Christ.

Bells: Bells are said to have rang to announce the birth of Jesus. Also said to ward off evil spirits.

Candles: The light Jesus brought to the earth.

Candy Cane: The crook of the shepherds who came to the manger to honor Baby Jesus. Jesus was foreordained to be the sacrificial lamb. He taught us to be humble, and he was born under the humblest of circumstance. The shepherds, who were the humblest people at the time of the birth of Christ, came to honor Him.

Carols: A song that bears witness of Christ. They remind us of the heavenly host who sang upon Christ's birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2: 14)

Centerpieces: A lavish centerpiece reminds us that Christ is the center of Christmas.

Christmas Tree Lights: Also representing Christ's being the "Light of the World".

Creche: A manger scene representing the stable where Christ was born.

Crowded Shopping Malls: We can even see symbolism here! Bethlehem was crowded, and there was no room for Him at any of the inns. We should leave room for him in our minds and hearts, despite the holiday hubbub.

Evergreen Trees: Christmas trees represent eternal life, and that God himself is eternal. The needles, pointing to heaven, remind us not of who comes down the chimney, but rather who came down from heaven as our Savior. Also representative of a sign that winter was near an end and the birth of a new dawn was near, especially since it is well-known that Christ was actually born in the Spring, a time of renewal.

Gifts: The first gifts were given to the Baby Jesus from the Wisemen. Gifts also represent the fact that God gave us the ultimate gift: His only begotten son.

Gold (The Color): Representative of the angel's halo or the light that Christ radiates.

Green: Eternal life.

Holly: Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated. The leaves represent Christ's crown of thorns, and the berries represent the blood He shed for us. The leaves never lose their green coloring, representing eternal life, completing the most important story of Christmas.

Mince Meat Pie: Full of spices and fruits, the mince meat pie represents the exotic gifts the Wisemen brought to the Baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Ornaments: Blessings from our Heavenly Father.

Poinsettia: Because of its flame leaves, the poinsettia represents the Christmas Star that was present on the night of Christ's birth, leading the Wisemen to Him, and could also be seen all over the world. The poinsettia also represents the beauty in Christ's creations.

Red: The blood He shed for us.

Snow: Purity of Christ.

Star: Often on top of the Christmas tree, the star represents the Christmas Star that was present on the night of Christ's birth, leading the Wisemen to Him and could be seen all over the world.

Stories: Many Christmas stories such as The Grinch and A Christmas Carol teach us about repentance, which is only made possible through Christ's atonement.

White: Light, purity, and joy.

Wisemen: We should be like the Wisemen, seeking out Christ and seeking to become like Him, literally making us "wise men".

Wreath: A wreath has no beginning, and no end. Thus is the same of God's love for us.