Around this time of year,
we’re often encouraged to remember the true meaning of Christmas. As President
Thomas S. Monson has taught, “we find real joy when we make the Savior the focus
of the season.” Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. Despite our
best efforts, we may often become distracted by the many tasks and preparations
that accompany this season.
So how can we maintain a focus
on Christ even amidst the holiday hustle and bustle? One way my parents taught me in my youth is to recognize and reflect on
the many symbols of Christmas that are so prevalent around this time of year. These
symbols point to Christ and can help us center our thoughts and minds on Him.
STAR: the
star of Bethlehem was the sign of God’ promise, made long ago, to send a Savior
to deliver His faithful children (Helaman 14:3-5).
The bright star pointed to the fulfillment
of that promise—God’s only begotten Son had been born! The star also led
the wise men to the place where the Christ child was (Matthew 2:9)
and can remind us that “wise men” still seek Him.
HOLLY: the holly
gives us the two primary colors of Christmas, red and green. The red holly berries represent the drops of Jesus’ blood as He atoned for
our sins and the green of the leaves
represents our hope in Christ, made
possible by His atonement and resurrection. The thorny leaves also represent the crown of thorns with which our Savior was mockingly crowned “King
of the Jews.”
CANDY CANES:
the candy cane represents the shepherd’s staff
and reminds us that Christ is “The Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).
The crook on the staff rescues sheep that have strayed from the flock and
symbolizes Christ’s desire to seek out and rescue those who wander from Him.
The white represents the purity of the Savior. The thin red stripes represent his blood and the thick stripes represent the lashes that He endured from the
soldiers prior to His crucifixion.
BELLS: bells provide another symbol of the “The Good Shepherd” (John 10:11).
Shepherds
use these bells to encourage lost sheep to return home. A shepherd’s sheep grow
accustomed to the sound of the bell and use it to locate their pastureland. In
like manner, Christmas bells represent the
call of The Good Shepherd, signaling
to us the way home to His presence.
FIR TREES:
the stately fir tree remains green all year round. Like the green of the holly
leaves, the evergreen symbolizes the everlasting
hope of mankind. The needles also point heavenward, making it a symbol of
our prayers that always reach God.
CANDLES: candles symbolize that Jesus, God’s Son, is the Light of the World (John 8:12).
The light of the candle helps us remember Him who overcomes all darkness and
offers the light of life.
WREATHS: the
wreath reveals the endless nature of God’s love. Real love never ceases and nothing
can stop God’s love for His children. The circular
shape of the wreath represents the everlasting,
eternal love of God as manifested through the infinite atonement of His
Only Begotten Son (John 3:16; 2 Nephi 9:7)
ANGELS: angels
represent the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. When Jesus was born, these
heavenly messengers came to shepherds to announce his birth, singing “Glory to
God in the highest! Peace on earth and good will toward men!” (Luke 2:13-14)
What are some of your
favorite Christmas symbols?
Joseph Harrison is the proud father of an adorable little girl (with two more on the way!) and the husband of an incredible and accomplished
wife. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration and worked
for several years in management consulting before coming to Texas
A&M, where he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in strategic management.
His passions include his family, the scriptures, serving others, teaching, and
college football. His favorite teams include Clemson and Texas A&M — Go Tigers & Gig 'em Ags!
