His Story


This time of the year is full of devices that are used to tell stories: garlands, wreaths, candy canes, lights, stars, candles, trees, presents, and more. They are mnemonic devices for sharing an important event with others. As my wife puts ornaments on our tree, she could tell the story of each one. Who gave them to us. For her, the physical ornament is a reminder of the giver and timing of the gift.

Mnemonic devices are just one way to help us remember. We have written histories, we have photographic histories, we even have video graphic histories, but most of these do not help us feel the reality of those stories. And the story about this season is so important that I think it is wonderful to have so many mnemonic devices to use in telling that story. His Story. The story of Jesus Christ.

In our worships services this month, we have revealed two or three different ornaments used to decorate a Chrismon tree. Each white ornament of the Chrismon tree is a monogram representing a specific biblical truth, such as a shell that hold water representing baptism.

On Christmas Eve we will light the advent candles each representing a different person, place, or group: shepherds, angels, Bethlehem, magi, and Jesus. The light of the advent candles also reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. The evergreen wreath surrounding the candles reminds us that Jesus came to bring new life that is eternal.

The Christmas tree, while originally a pagan symbol used in druidic worship, has come to mean so much more in the Christmas story. The tree is shaped in such a way that it directs our attention upward toward Christ. It is an evergreen to represent eternal life with Christ. It is traditionally capped with a star that represents the star that appeared the night that Jesus was born. The lights surrounding the tree remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. The decorations on the tree and the presents underneath the tree remind us that Jesus gives any who will accept it a free gift of forgiveness and salvation. They also represent the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that the magi gave to Jesus.

What other mnemonic devices are used by your family at Christmas? Share those with others below.

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Poolehall: Steve, Wendy, Ashton, and Zachary. And may God bless your new year.

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