Although many are trying to take the Christ out of CHRISTmas, here is a little list that will remind you that even if the PC government takes down all of our crosses and references to our Lord Christ Jesus, you can smile knowing that secretly we still have symbols/icons that will help us remember that the holiday is about the greatest day in Earth's history; the birth of the Messiah, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, the Living Word, Son of God, God in Flesh, Immanuel - God with us.
Here are a few traditional symbols of Christmas that refer to our Lord's divinity on this Holy day of Christmas.
The Candy Cane represents shepherd's crook to keep sheep from straying. Also the lowly shepards were the first to get the glorious news of Christ's birth when an angel of the Lord visited them. Jesus is also known as "the good shepard". He said "My sheep hear my voice".
In addition, the Candy Cane is wrapped with red and white, representing the precious blood of Jesus and how we are washed clean through the acceptance of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
Christmas Tree remains green all year round and is a symbol of everlasting life. As our Lord is eternal as is His love.
Presents/Gifts represent the gifts given to Jesus by the wise men, and the gift of everlasting life given to the whole world through the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the gift of eternal life with our Heavenly Father available to us, if we choose to accept His gracious gift.
Bows on gifts, shows we are all tied to each other with love as the family of mankind, under the eternal Living God.
Christmas Bells ring to announce glad tidings of the birth of Jesus. Also, sheep had a bell tied round their necks so shepherds could hear where they were to keep them from danger of the wolves. Jesus our good shepard is omnipresent and always knows where His sheep are and when they need him.
Christmas Wreath - just like Jesus who was, is and is to come has no beginning or end. The circle represents the eternal in our Lord and his never ending love for us.
Just as Jesus is the light of the world, we light candles (now in modern days) we decorate with lights on our trees to represent His light and the star that led the wisemen to honor the child king.
Those are just a few things that we can hang onto that will keep our faith alive. So next time you see a candy cane, know that its not just a sweet treat but a symbol of God's love and sacrifice for his beloved ones. So no matter what the government takes from the Christians (seems like there's tolerance for all things except Christianity now), whether its the public cross or nativity scenes on public lawns, remember they can't take its meaning from us. Hope these few symbols help bring joy to you and keep His love in your heart this holiday.
Merry CHRISTmas to you all! God bless you.
For more columns by Renee Roland, See: http://www.examiner.com/movie-in-norfolk/renee-roland
and her national column http://www.examiner.com/where-are-they-now-1-in-national/renee-roland
newly launched column, see: http://www.examiner.com/strange-facts-in-norfolk/renee-roland
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