Place one felt symbol on the tree each day in December.
Do your children understand the meaning behind the symbols we use each Christmas? In my Story Time Felts business we sell a Christmas Tree Advent Calendar that includes all of these symbols. It comes with a sheet explaining each one so that each night in December you can teach your children these symbols. Here they are for you to enjoy!
Karen
Star–The star was the heavenly sign of promise long ago. God promised a
Savior for the world and a sign of the fulfillment of that promise was the
great star of the East. The star now reminds us of God’s love for mankind
and of God fulfilling this promise. The countless shining stars at night, one for each man, now shows the burning hope of all mankind.
Donkey–The donkey carried a very pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. Just as the
donkey carried this burden, we can carry the burdens of others. Look for an
opportunity to help someone with their load.
Poinsettia–Legend has it that a poor child in Mexico, having nothing to
give the Christ Child on His birthday, gathered some weeds into lovely
bouquets–the only gift he had to offer. When he brought his gift to the
manger, this simple weed was transformed into a brilliant red bloom . . . a
poinsettia. It is now known as the beautiful “Flower of the Holy Night”.
Christmas Caroler–Music is a way to worship and a way to bring joy to the
heart. Share your favorite Christmas song and have your family share their
favorite Christmas songs.
Blue Christmas Gift–A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit
of the brotherhood of man. The bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us
together, with the bonds of goodwill toward each other. Good will forever is
the message of the bow.
Red Christmas Gift–This represents the gift that a child makes with their
own hands to give to a loved one. It really doesn’t matter how much is spent
on a gift. A gift says I am thinking of you, I care about you. I love you.
Red Christmas Ornament–Red is the first color of Christmas. It was first
used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for
all people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every
man might have God’s gift to all, Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense,
vivid–it is the greatest color of all. It is the
symbol of the gift of God.
Christmas Tree–The evergreen is the second color of Christmas. The pure
color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round. This depicts the
everlasting life and everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful,
hopeful abundant color of nature. The needles point heavenward–symbolic of
man’s returning thoughts towards heaven. The great, green tree has been man’
s best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him, and
formed his furniture.
Ice Skates–Ice skates represent children and the happy times they spend out
in the fresh air. The cold noses, the hot chocolate and rosy cheeks. Do an
activity outdoors with your children. Laugh, play and enjoy them in their
world.
Three Wise men–Wise men of old followed a star for many days to find the
Christ Child. They brought Him gifts and worshiped Him. Wise men (and boys
and girls) of today still seek Christ. The best present that you can give is
your heart on a daily basis.
Shepherd Boy–On a starry night, angels visited shepherds in the field and
told them of the wondrous thing that had occurred that night. The shepherds
left the fields to seek the Christ Child. The shepherd boy symbolizes
obedience.
Manger Scene–The first Christmas began in a stable. It’s occurrence is in
keeping with God’s plan of happiness for us. He sent His only begotten Son
to come to earth and show us the way back to Him. He is the reason for the
season!
Church–A place of worship where we can go and commune, renew and make new
commitments to the Lord.
Gingerbread Boy–Spicy, fragrant, and good. That is what our lives will be
like as we follow the teachings of Jesus, doing good to all men. Find some
good that you can do today. Make gingerbread cookies.
Bell–As the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, so it should
ring for man to return to the fold–it means
guidance and return– it further signifies that all is precious in the eyes
of the Lord.
Candle–The candle shows man’s thanks for the star of long ago. Its small
light is a mirror of starlight. At first candles were placed on the
Christmas tree–they were like many glowing stars shining against the dark
green. Safety now has removed the candles from the tree and the colored
lights have taken over as a remembrance.
Wreath–The wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases,
stops or ends. It is one continuous round of affection. The wreath does
double duty. It is made of many things and it has many colors. It should
remind us of all the things of Christmas.
Christmas Card–The card is a symbol of love sent to all mankind. There are
those who call it an empty ritual and
complain at receiving them from people they hardly know. But if cards are a
symbol of love to you, it is easy to
remember that Christ did not say “Love only those whom you know well.”
Consider yourself loved! Show love to others by sending cards from your
family today.
Candy Cane–The candy cane represents the shepherds crook. The crook on the
staff helps bring back the strayed sheep of the fold. The candy cane
represents the helping hand we show at Christmas time. The candy cane is a
symbol that we are our brother’s keeper and should help those who have
strayed to come back to the fold.
Santa Claus–Focus on the idea that we can all be Santa’s to someone just by
doing something anonymously. Think of who you want to be Santa for and do
something nice for them without letting them know it was from you.
Angel–It was an angel who told Mary she was chosen by God to be the mother
of the Savior. It was angels who told the shepherds in the field of
the birth of the Savior and then angels sang songs of joy. We can be
angels to others in the words we speak and actions we do.
Try the whole day through to speak as an angel speaks. Speak words that
lift, build, encourage and fill the hearer with hope and love.
Present with red ribbon–Gifts are fun. They are fun to give and they are
fun to receive. They bring joy to both. Talk about about the gift that has
been given to each of us because of the life of Jesus. Share the joy that
you feel in your heart because of this all inclusive gift. Talk about ways
we can live our lives to say “Thank You” to our Savior.
Gingerbread House–At the Christmas season there are plenty of good foods to
eat and parties to go to with their delightful Christmas decor. It’s not
this way for everyone. Fill a bag with canned goods and take them to your
local food bank to help someone less fortunate than you enjoy the Christmas
season.
Soldier–A soldier stands straight and true guarding the freedoms that we
enjoy. Think of ways that we can live more honestly, more bravely; standing
for all that is good and right. Talk about it. Make a card and send it to a
serviceman, thanking him for his unselfish sacrifice.
Dove–The dove symbolizes peace. Take a few minutes and explain what it
means to have a heart at peace and then talk about ways that your family can
bring peace into your home on a daily basis. Even with the rush of Christmas
we can stop and take time to give thanks and bring our hearts to a peaceful
state.
Do you have any others to add? Please leave them in the Comments for us all to share and learn from!
