This year there will two – yes two trees in the sanctuary. One tree will be the regular traditional Christmas tree. It will make its appearance on the first Sunday of Advent. The Second tree is a special tree – A Chrismon Tree! It will appear on December 13.
A chrismon is a Christian symbol representing Jesus Christ. As in the case of Christogram, the term chrismon comes from the Latin phrase “Christi monogramma”, meaning “monogram of Christ”. A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often found in the church during Advent and Christmas. As with the Christmas tree, the evergreen tree itself, for Christians, “symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides”. However, the Chrismon tree differs from the traditional Christmas tree in that it “is decorated only with clear lights and Chrismons made from white and gold material”, the latter two being the liturgical colors of the Christmas season. The Chrismon tree is adorned with Chrismons – symbols for Christ or some part of Christ’s ministry that direct our attention to the nature and ultimate work of Christ, and calling attention to Advent themes.
Now here’s how you can help decorate the tree during the service. Each family is asked to create a Chrismon for each family member. They can be made out of any material as long as it is either white or gold. We are limiting the maximum size to about the size of your hand – be sure to put your name on each chrismon! On December 13, during worship, bring your chrismons forward and place upon the Chrismon tree. Instructions and patterns can be found in the links below