In Remembrance of Me The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said “This is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

(Corinthians 11: 23-26)

Our Chrismon Tree

First Lutheran Church 3600 West Friendly Avenue

Greensboro, NC 27410 (336)292-9125 Info@FirstLutheran.com

www.FirstLutheran.com

The History of Chrismons

The first Chrismon tree stood in the nave of a small Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia in the year 1957. Since then many churches have adopted the custom of using the beautiful handmade ornaments with their beautiful symbolism. Chrismon (kris’mon) is a combination of two words, Christ and Monogram. It is just that – a monogram of Christ. The evergreen tree of which the ornaments hang symbolizes the eternal life Christ has won for us.

Colors

All Chrismons are made in either white or gold or a combination. White, the liturgical color for Christmas, suggest the innocence, purity and perfection of Christ. Scripture often uses white to portray purit and equates it with light to denote completeness. In our culture it is the color of joy. Gold is the symbol for the glory and majesty of God and the Son of God. The Lutheran Symbol on the front cover shows a black cross and a red heart (faith in Christ who died and rose again), resting on a white rose (joy, comfort and peace beyond that of this world), fixed in a sky-like field (the beginning of heavenly joy), and is encircled with a gold ring (the eternal and precious possession of salvation). This book is dedicated to Margaret Alsobrooks, Dawn Barry and the many volunteers who share their time and talents teaching Chrismon classes and put up the lovely Chrismon tree before the first Sunday in Advent every year.

Draped Crosses – a Lenten symbol; one cross draped with purple, the color of royalty and kingship as well as the symbol of contemplation and prayer, and is used during Lent. One cross is draped in black, the color of death and mourning and is used on Good Friday. One cross is draped in white, the color of the resurrection and used on Easter Sunday.

(Found in Matthew 27-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 23-24 and John 9-20)

The Fish with a basket of bread is a Eucharist symbol. Our Lord, Himself, is the food, the Bread of Life.

Cross with Blood in Chalice – After supper, Jesus took the cup saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me”. (Corinthians 11:25)

The Chrismons at First Lutheran Church

At First Lutheran, the tradition of a Chrismon tree began in the early 70’s. FLC member, Joanne Weaver, took a class in downtown Greensboro, became intrigued with the idea and started a class at the church. She asked the women’s circles to join in, and they responded. Over the years many others have contributed to this lovely tradition.

The tree was originally in the sanctuary, but it was moved to the narthex so that more people could get a closer look at the intricate ornaments. We have now added a tree in the contemporary worship space and the Sanctuary.

Jesus Christ, He is the Alpha and Omega: the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelations 22:13)

IHC HIS – a monogram of our Lord’s given name. Based on the Greek

name for Jesus – IHOYC – the most common of these monograms.

Anchor Cross – represents Jesus, The Hope of the World. (Hebrews 6:19)

Chi-Rho (XP) – The first letter of Jesus in Greek. These Greek letters are the oldest monogram for Christ.

Pierced Heart – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Teardrops on the sword signify Mary’s grief for her son.

Triquetra – any design of 3 equal parts symbolizes the Holy Trinity, One God in three persons.

The Fish is an ancient symbol for Christ. It was a secret sign during early Christianity’s persecution.

The Latin Cross is the most widely used form of the cross among Christians.

Candle – the light symbolizes Jesus who is the Light of the World.

Church – I was glad they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

(Matthew 8:15)

The Bell is a calling to worship. The sounding forth of the Word.

Fisherman’s shoes – “Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peach with God.” (Ephesians

6:15)

Angel – And the angel said to them “Be not Afraid, for behold, I bring you news and great joy.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Epiphany Star with Rose – the star, which the wise men followed, points to

His divinity. The rose symbolizes Mary, the mother of

Jesus – our Lord’s nativity. (Matthew 2:12; Isaiah 35:1)

The Triangle & Trefoil represents the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).

Descending Dove – The Holy Spirit at our Lord’s baptism. (Mark 1:10)

Noah’s Ark – Noah was a good man who walked with God and obeyed his

commandment to build an Ark. (Genesis 6:11-21)

The Holy Bible Chrismon symbolizes the Word of God.

The Crossed Keys recall Peter’s confession. (Matthew 16: 18,19)

Open Door – Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come to him and eat

with

him, and he with me. (Revelations 3:20)

Butterfly – Upon his death on the cross, Jesus did not stay in the tomb. He burst forth alive on Easter Day! The victory of this resurrection is

shown by the butterfly.

Cross Triumphant – Triumph of the Gospel through the world.

The Harp – Sing unto the Lord with the harp and the voice of a Psalm.

(Psalm 98:5)

The Creator’s Star / Star of David: a 6-pointed star which represents

the six days of creation.

Shell with 3 drops of water – symbol of baptism in the name of three

persons – the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

Crown – the Kingship of our Lord, the King of kings; his victory over sin and death; his place of honor at the right hand of God.

The Ark of the Covenant was the meeting place of God and the

Israelites on the journey from Egypt. This symbolizes the presence of God.

The Nativity is the scene of the birth of the baby Jesus.