Never had this quote, a favorite of mine, ever been truer, than yesterday. Both Mandy and Tommy stopped by and I had such wonderful conversations with both of them -Mandy then adding more Christmas magic to my new home, by putting more Christmas ribbons on a closet door in my comfy living room to start holding more Christmas cards to come!
Later… after they left I felt the same Christmas spirit I did as a child. When you think about it…. every ornament, on a Christmas tree, is symbolic of a part of The Christmas story, including the whole Christmas Tree itself!
The tree’s branches are viewed as an emblem of immortality and are said to be, also, symbolic of the Crown of Thorns on the cross.
For many families … Star of David tops the story-as well as the top of the tree. Candy canes came to represent the shepherds’ staffs-Christ is also called The Good Shepherd Holly berries are symbolic of the blood of Christ shed for usThe Nativity Scene – symbolic of the location where The Holy Child was born surrounded by family, angels, wisemen… including the animals…. we must never forget God purposely had the barn animals present too to witness His son’s birth… all creatures are HOLY in His name! The wreath is symbolic of the crown of thorns present when Christ was crucified – Birth filled with Hope is always accompanied by death-Jesus shedding His blood to give us everlasting lifeBells represent the call of mankind to the worship of our Lord
We could go on and on… but over the years the selection of ornaments we take for granted today were added with a symbolism attached to the Christmas Story
Even decorative Christmas balls are symbolic…
Round Christmas ornaments are symbolic of the Circle of Life! Begins and ends with Christ beside us! ( If we so choose)
So until tomorrow … Take time this year to really think of the ornaments you select for your tree… certainly select some crazy fun ornaments to laugh at…but also take some time this Christmas to explain the Holy symbolism too. Believe me… it will stick in the memories of those young excited faces gathered together around you.
Honey’s latest addition to the family ( left) Mollie Mae
I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents
were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my
grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old
Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended
Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters
Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am
presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also
taught at the College of Charleston.
For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy
matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of
stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message
through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret
of success in teaching social studies is always in the story.
I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest
teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re
ripe you rot.”
ichaseferalcats
John Turner
Legally Ohm
Becky Dingle
Love this…and you.
Back at you!
Sent from my iPhone
Beautiful words…..thank you once again.