Chrismon tree

A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often placed in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide.[1][2] The Chrismon tree was first used by North American Lutherans in 1957,[3] although the practice has spread to other Christian denominations,[4] including Anglicans,[5] Catholics,[6] Methodists,[7] and the Reformed.[8] As with the ordinary Christmas tree,[9][10] the evergreen tree itself, for Christians, "symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides".[11] 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 colours of the Christmas season.[1][2]

A Chrismon tree in the nave of St Alban's Anglican Cathedral in Oviedo
A Chrismon tree in the chancel of St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin.

The Chrismon tree is adorned with Chrismons, "ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ's ministry: the dove descending down, fish, Celtic cross, Jerusalem cross, shepherd's crook, chalice, shell, and others."[1][12] Laurence Hull Stookey writes that "because many symbols of the Chrismon tree direct our attention to the nature and ultimate work of Christ, they can be helpful in calling attention to Advent themes."[13]

See also

References
  1. Weaver Jr., J. Dudley (2002). Presbyterian Worship: A Guide for Clergy. Geneva Press. p. 79. ISBN 9780664502188. Many congregations have begun the tradition of using a Chrismon tree in the sanctuary as part of the Advent and Christmas celebration. It is important, especially for children, that the distinction between this tree and the family Christmas tree be clearly made. The Chrismon tree is decorated only with clear lights and Chrismons made from white and gold material. White, the color of Christmas, is the color of purity and perfection, while gold is the color for majesty and glory. The Chrismons are ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ's ministry: the crow, descending down, fish, Celtic cross, Jerusalem cross, shepherd's crook, chalice, shell, and others.
  2. Segler, Franklin M.; Bradley, Randall (1 October 2006). Christian Worship: Its Theology and Practice, Third Edition. B&H Publishing Group. p. 222. A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree adorned with symbols of Christ. The symbols are white and gold, and the three has white lights.
  3. Elizabeth Morris-Pierce, Stephen a. Berge, Eulonda A. Dreher, Russell W. Dalton, D. Andrew Richardson (1 January 2002). In Search of Christmas. CSS Publishing. p. 27. ISBN 9780788019166. Chrismons were first used in 1957 to decorate a Christmas tree in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, Virginia.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. Crump, William D. (15 September 2001). The Christmas Encyclopedia, 3d ed. McFarland. p. 71. ISBN 9780786468270. Over time, the popularity of the Chrismons tree grew and spread to other denominations around the world, while Chrismons themselves have become meaningful decorations throughout the year.
  5. "Chrismon Tree". St. John's Anglican Church. Archived from the original on 2014-12-09. Retrieved 2016-08-03. A number of ladies of St. John's have been hard at work producing beautiful Chrismons (Christian Monograms) out of wire and beads to decorate a "Chrismon Tree" that will be put up and dedicated on the First Sunday in Advent
  6. Glavich, Mary Kathleen (2010). Leading Young Catholics Into Scripture. Twenty-Third Publications. p. 36. ISBN 9781585958009. A parallel Advent activity is the more recent custom of making a Chrismon tree (Christ + monogram). The Chrismon tree bears symbols of Jesus from the New Testament. While the children hang their symbols, related Scripture texts might be read. Possible figures for the Chrismon tree are Mary, Joseph, the star, manger, shepherd, angel, sheep, three kings, gifts, fish, dove, grapes, wheat, vine, crown, rock, alpha and omega symbols, Chi-Rho, anchor, and cross. The symbols are usually white and gold.
  7. First United Methodist Church, Midland, Texas: Offering Christ, 1885-1985: One Hundred Years on Main Street in Downtown Midland. Taylor Publishing Company. 1985. The idea for a Chrismon Tree for First Methodist originated and was sponsored by the Boone Bible Class.
  8. "Advent & Christmas at BRC". Brunswick Reformed Church. Archived from the original on 2014-12-06. Retrieved 2016-08-03. The Chrismon Tree has become a tradition in an increasing number of Christian churches. Chrismons are symbols, a combination of two words, CHRIST and Monogram, meaning a monogram of Christ. Extending back to days when, because of illiteracy, symbols had to be used to communicate the key ideas in our faith. Click on the link below to find explained the meaning of the Chrismons which decorate our tree at BRC. These Chrismons were made by the women of BRC several years ago. The evergreen tree, a symbol for eternal life, is a background for the tiny white lights and basic gold and white Chrismons. The lights remind us of Him - Jesus - who is the light of the world. The traditional liturgical colors of gold and white symbolize: gold - the glory, and the majesty of God; white - the innocence, purity and perfection of our Savior. It is our hope that the Chrismon Tree will light up your Advent/Christmas season by helping you to more fully enter into the meaning and understanding of the unique Son of God as God's greatest gift to man.
  9. CTL Catechetical Resource Book 1. Celebrating the Lectionary. Liturgy Training Publications. p. 10. ISBN 9781568547077. Christmas tree: The tree is an evergreen symbol of everlasting life living forever with God. This is the good news that Jesus' death and Resurrection proclaimed to all humanity.
  10. Wamsley, Denise (2010). The Christmas Experiment. Cedar Fort. p. 139. ISBN 9781599557687. Christmas Tree: The color of the evergreen ("ever green") tree still vibrant in the dead of winter, can symbolize the eternal life Jesus Christ provides, which enables us to overcome death.
  11. Stringer, Nancy (1980). Programs for adventure and Christmas. Hung on an evergreen tree, they make a Chrismon tree. The evergreen tree symbolizes the eternal life.
  12. Stookey, Laurence Hull (1 December 2011). Calendar: Christ's Time for the Church. Abingdon Press. p. 107. ISBN 9781426728044. Beyond that the term "Chrismon" is used loosely to refer to symbols related to Christ, including the orb, crown, fish, star, anchor, and a wide variety of forms on the cross. All of these, often made in materials of gold and white, are used on a pine or fir tree in place of the more usual multicolored ornaments used on trees at home. Lights are also usually of clear glass rather than being colored.
  13. Stookey, Laurence Hull (1 December 2011). Calendar: Christ's Time for the Church. Abingdon Press. p. 107. ISBN 9781426728044.
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