The symbols of Christmas

(by Dottie Lima)

We talked about the meanings of all the different symbols, tree, wreath, candle, etc... 

Sr. Sharing Time:
I hung the meanings on the board, and as they found and read each scripture, I had them guess which item it belonged to. (I had each item there on the table) 
They had a great time trying to figure out the meanings of everything. 
When they got it, I took the meaning of the board, and taped it to the item. 

Jr. Sharing Time:
I still had the meanings on the board, but I read them out loud, and then let them guess. 
At the end of sharing time, I let them color the pictures. 

At the end of both Jr. and Sr. Sharing Time, I gave them each a handout with the meanings to take home and see if their parent's new what each thing meant. 

Following are the scripture references I used.

Tree: Jacob 2:19
Star: Acts 13:23
Candle: Isa. 60:19
Wreath: 2 Nephi 26:24
Gifts: John 3:16
Candy Cane: Moses 5:34
Angel: Psalms 2:14
Bell: D & C 45:57

 

Here's the handout:

 

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS

EVERGREEN TREE: the pure green color of the stately evergreen tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.

STAR: The star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. Heavenly Father promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of that promise.

CANDLE: The candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

WREATH: The wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Christ’s love for us is never ending, like the circle of the wreath.

GIFTS: “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” The wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men."

CANDY CANE: The candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the shepherd's staff helps bring back strayed sheep. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

ANGEL: The angels heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.'

BELL: As lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should also bring people to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.