Redeemer’s Chrismon Tree

 

The evergreen tree, with branches always green symbolizes the eternal life our Lord Jesus has won for us.  The tiny white lights on the tree remind us that He is the light of the world.

 

The Chrismons (CHRISt + MONogram) proclaim the Name, the Life, and the saving Acts of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

 

Colors – White and Gold are used as the colors for all the Chrismons.  White is the liturgical color for Christmas.  In the Bible white is often used to portray purity and completeness.  Isaiah 1:18, Mark 9:3, Revelation 6:11, Revelation 7:13. Gold is used to show the majesty and glory of God.  Exodus 25:11, Revelation 1:13-16; 21:18-21

 

Circles — Redeemer’s Tree also features two interlocking circles on the very front of the tree, a feature that many congregations no longer included.  The circles and the chrismons on them have particular meaning.   The top circle is the Trinity circle.  The three chrismons on this circle  represent God the Father at the top,  then counterclockwise to Jesus, the Son, and then the Holy Spirit.  In the center is a symbol respresenting the completeness of the trinity.

 

The lower circle moves in a counter clockwise direction  through the church year (which follows the earthly life of Jesus), from Advent in the 11:00 o’clock position to Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, the Ascension, and then Pentecost.

 

One of the more interesting chrismons is found on this circle at the 3:00 o’clock position and represents Easter.  On this chrismon, you find a pelican with drops of blood.  Legend says that when there is no food for her brood, a mother pelican will peck her own breast and feed her babies with her own blood.

 

In the center of the lower circle is a chrismon featuring on open book (Bible) and the letters VDMA.   “Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum“ is Latin for “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever,” this motto of the Lutheran arm of the Protestant Reformation comes from 1 Peter 1:25. Frederick the Wise, ruler of Saxony and one of Martin Luther’s earliest and most powerful defenders, had the VDMA symbol sewn into the right sleeve of the official garments of his court. The symbol also appeared on banners, flags, swords and uniforms, representing the unity of the Lutheran laity in defending their beliefs.

Symbols

 The Cross

The cross reminds us of our Savior’s sacrifice for our sins.  Different forms of the cross help us think about various aspects of his redeeming work.

 

                                                                                                                                 

Other Symbols

Stars

Monograms