The Chrismon Tree
The custom of the Chrismon Tree (Christ’s monogram) involves the use of various symbols from the genealogy of Christ and his life, death and resurrection.
Decorated with the symbolic white and gold ornaments during early Advent, the tree stands as a remembrance of the whole story and significance of Christ whose birth we celebrate at Christmas.
These symbols are listed in five groups representing the various aspects of Christ’s story:
Prophecy, Nativity, Ministry, Passion, and Victory.
Prophecy
The Creator’s Star: The six-pointed star —
God the Father created the world in six days.
The Angel: An angel came to Mary and said,
“…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you will name him Jesus.” Luke 1:31
The Dove: “Then John gave this testimony:
I saw the Spirit come down from heaven
as a dove and remain on him…” John 1:32
The Flower: The prophecy in Isaiah tells us that
“the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly.” Isaiah 35:1
Nativity
The Manger: God sent us a Savior born in a manger.
“And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him
in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger…” Luke 2:7
The Lamb: Represents the gentleness of Christ born in the manger.
The Natal Star: Is shaped like a cross to symbolize the purpose of Jesus’ birth.
“…you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save
his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
Ministry
Shepherd’s Crook: Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11
The Shell: Symbolizes our baptism.
The Lamp and the Candle: Symbolize God’s Word
illuminating our way and showing us the Truth. Psalm 119:105
The Fish: One of the ancient symbols of Jesus our Savior.
“Come and follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Passion
The Chalice: Symbolizes Christ’s self-giving and
suffering for us. It also represents Holy Communion.
The Latin Cross: The Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Without Jesus’ death, we would be lost forever.
The Trefoil Cross: The trefoil on each end of the
four arms signifies life and the trinity.
The Cross and Orb: Symbolizes Christ’s rule over all the world.
The Serpent on Tau Cross: The “T” shape suggests Moses’ staff.
Jesus said, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9),
even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes in Him
will have eternal life.” John 3:14-15
Victory
The Butterfly: Jesus burst forth from the tomb into a victorious resurrected life.
The Crown: Jesus is Our King of kings. The crown reminds us
that we will receive the crown of life when we get to heaven.
The Chi-Rho: The sacred monogram formed by using the
first two letters of the Greek word for Christ: XPICTOC
The Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
Representing Christ’s eternal reign, “I am the first and last,
the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13
The Bell: Bells remind us of the call to worship and celebration.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Psalm 150