Xmas3

10) CANDLES (candle)

Light was an important part of the pagan midwinter festivities, since this was the time when the sun ceased to wane and began to grow stronger and brighter. In imitation, candles and bonfires helped to drive away the forces of cold and darkness. Wax tapers were given as gifts at the Roman festival of Saturnalia.

To the Christian community, the lighting of candles took on the additional symbolic significance of Jesus as the Light of the World. The addition of lighted candles to the paradise tree marked the birth of our most beloved Christmas tree.

The beautiful idea of Christmas candles shining from windows is a custom still practiced in Europe. People in Ireland leave a candle burning in the window to light the way for the Christ Child on Christmas Eve. In Sweden, St. Lucy appears wearing a crown of candles. In Victorian England, tradesmen made annual gifts of candles to their loyal customers. In many parts of the world , the Advent candles reflect the dawning season and remind us of the coming Light.   In our country, many churches hold candlelight services on Christmas Eve. The Christmas candle, with its brightness, sacredness and sense of well-being, is an indispensable part of the Christmas season.

Bible: John 8:12 and Matthew 5:14-16

Discuss: How we can let others know that Jesus is the Light of the World. How can we show that light?

Sing: The People That in Darkness Sat

11) WREATHS (wreath)

The circle of the wreath symbolizes no beginning or end--eternity.   God's love for us is like that too.

Anything that could symbolize transformation and "evergreen" took on significance to the ancient pagans who worshipped the earth. Greenery was brought into the homes. But the early Christians took such things and gave them new meanings.   Evergreens (holly) were shaped into a wreath, reminding us of the crown of thorns that were placed on the head of Jesus. The red berries on the wreath remind us of the blood shed by Jesus, remembering that it was the
death and resurrection of our Lord that gave meaning to Christmas in the first place.

Bible: Psalm 136--read responsively, with the children saying �His love endures forever.�

Discuss: What are some ways in which you can see that God loves you?

Sing: Of the Father�s Love Begotten

12) HOLLY (holly)

Holly is a familiar green shrub, usually thought of as having red berries and dark glossy green leaves with thorny tips, although there are many other varieties. The bright colors of the holly made it a natural symbol of rebirth and life in the winter whiteness of northern Europe. In late December, the Teutonic peoples traditionally placed holly and other evergreens around the interior of dwellings to ward off winter bad weather and unwanted spirits.

Holly flourishes in almost every kind of soil and extreme temperatures, but does not do well in the shade. The berries are poisonous to human beings. Traditionally in England, the prickly holly is called "he" and the non-prickly "she". Which type of holly first brought into the house at Christmas determines who will rule the household for the coming year.

Holly leaves were used for the wreaths of the past, reminding us again of the crown of thorns that Christ wore. The berries represent his blood and the evergreen color is for eternal life. In Denmark, it is called the Christ-thorn.     A legend tells that on the first Christmas night, when the shepherds went to the manger, a little lamb following them was caught by the holly thorns, and the red berries are the blood drops that froze on the branches.

Bible: Hebrews 12:1-3

Discuss: How can we show our love for God? (Catechism question # 4: How can you glorify God? By loving Him and keeping His commands.)

Do: Make this great recipe: 1 stick of butter, melted in a large pot with some marshmallows--kind of like making Krispie Treats. Add A LOT of green food coloring. When you have a nice green color, remove from heat and stir in about 6 cups of corn flakes. They need to be all covered with the green mixture. Put them out in "clumps" on wax paper and stick a red hot in the middle of each clump. Let them cool. Store in fridge in airtight container. Use to decorate your holiday plate or add to goodie boxes. You will not believe how many compliments you will get on this. If possible, place a little note with them telling about the holly symbol for Christmas.

Sing: Good Christian Men Rejoice

13) POINSETTIA (poinsettia)

A favorite flower in the United States is the poinsettia, with its beautiful, red, star-shape. It is called the "Flame Leaf" in Central America or "Flower of the Holy Night" and was brought here over a hundred years ago by Dr. Joel Poinsett, our first ambassador to Mexico. It became very popular as a Christmas plant and was named after him. Most of the poinsettias used now come from California. The legend of the poinsettia comes from Mexico. It tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother Pablo. They were very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas festival. Each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties. The two children loved Christmas but were always saddened because they had no money to buy presents. They especially wished that they could give something to the church for the Baby Jesus. But they had nothing. One Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service. On their way they picked some weeds growing along the roadside and decided to take them as their gift to the Baby Jesus in the manger scene. Of course other children teased them when they arrived with their gift, but Maria and Pablo knew they had given what they could. Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants
around the manger and miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals, and soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers and so we see them today.

Bible: Matthew 6:28-34

Discuss: Did God meet the needs of Maria and Pablo in this make-believe story? Has God given us everything we need? Should we be upset if we don�t get what we want when we open our presents on Christmas Day?

Do: See how many scriptures you can find that refer to Jesus as a flower. (Plant of Renown--Ezekiel 34:29, Righteous branch--Jeremiah 23:5, Root of Jesse--Isaiah 11:10, Rose of Sharon--Song of Solomon 2:1, Vine--John 15:1)

Sing: Love Came Down

14)CARDS (Christmas card or snowman)

People did not exchange Christmas cards until fairly recent times. The first card designed especially to be sold was created in 1843 by the artist John Calcott Horsley. Charles Goodall & Sons of London began printing and selling Christmas cards on a wide scale in 1862. Printed cards soon became as popular as the handwritten personal notes that people had exchanged. Louis Prang in Boston began printing multicolored Christmas cards around 1875.
We enjoy getting Christmas Cards, looking at the pictures, reading the sentiments, and hearing from our friends.   We also like to send cards to tell news, to keep in touch with old friends, and to give Christmas greetings and blessings at this special time of the year.

Bible: Luke 2:13-14

Discuss: the possibility of these verses being the first "Christmas Card Greeting." Should our Christmas greetings patterned after this one?

Do: Read and look at some of the Christmas cards.

Sing: The First Noel