One of the goals of Confirmation is to teach about the various symbols of the Christian church and about the Church Year. A great way of doing this is through the making of Chrismons. On Sunday, December 15 following late service, you are invited to join the Confirmation class as Pastor Ross teaches a class about them and you get to make your very own Chrismon for your home Christmas tree!
What is a Chrismon? Chrismons were first created by Frances Kipps Spencer at Ascension Lutheran Church in Davnille, Virginia (Lutheran’s always come up with the best Christmas traditions). Chrismons are simply Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them. The word “Chrismon” is made up from “Christmas” and “monogram” (monogram means symbol). They are a great way to be reminded of God’s love and different aspects of our faith in Jesus. These special Christmas ornaments have become so popular that some congregations have special Chrismon trees displayed in the church.
“What materials can be used for making Chrismons? Mrs. Spencer was a huge fan of recycling. Any material can be used to make a Chrimsons Ornament. The only guideline is that they be made in gold and white. The most important aspect of a Chrismons Ornament is its ability to share Christ’s story.
“Can Chrismons Ornaments be hung on my home tree? Yes. Chrismons Ornaments can be used to decorate your home Christmas Tree. If you are decorating a Chrismons Tree only the colors of white and gold should be on the tree.
“Why do some ornaments have small amounts of color? One or two Chrismons Ornaments like “The Pelican in Her Piety” have one color other than white, gold, or clear in the design. The color is allowed for a specific purpose, deemed significant enough to telling Christ’s story. For example, when there is no food available, the Pelican will pick her own breast shedding her blood and giving her life for her children. The drops of blood on the breast in the ornament remind us of Christ’s shedding of blood for us on the cross.”[1]
Want to help? If you have any crafting supplies you think would be perfect for this project (Styrofoam balls or sheets, felt, undecorated Christmas ornaments, crafting glue, spray glue, markers, glitter, etc.) please consider donating them to the church and let Pastor Ross know. Pastor Ross will arrange for food, so please SIGN UP on the sign-up sheet with a head count so that he can make sure to have enough for everybody
image: A Chrismon Mosaic/ Avondale Pattillow UMC/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
[1] From Why Christmas, www.whychristmas.com/customs/chrismons.shml accessed on Nov. 19, 2019 12:19 pm.