Rev Jen 10 Top Christmas Traditions

1. The Christmas tree is evergreen, a symbol of eternal life with God. The triangular shape represents the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and points to Heaven.

2. Mince pies, originally made of meat and dried fruit, represent Jesus’ manger, topped with His swaddling clothes. The three spices, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, symbolise the Wise Men’s gifts.

3. Presents recall the Wise Men’s gold, frankincense and myrrh; stockings the gold coins given by St. Nicholas, a 4th C bishop in modern Turkey, the original Santa Claus.

4. The Christmas door wreath symbolizes God’s love for all people that, like a circle, has no end. Also birth, death and eternal life with God.

5. The Christmas star recalls the star over Bethlehem when Jesus is born, guiding the three Kings/Wise Men/Magi to the stable. Ditto the star shaped Poinsettia plant.

6. Christmas lights, candles and tinsel all symbolise Jesus ‘The Light of the World’.

7. Christmas angels recall the Angel Gabriel telling Mary she will bear God’s Son, the heavenly host telling shepherds of Jesus’ birth, the angel speaking to Joseph in his dreams.

8. Red and white striped candy canes recall staffs used by shepherds who visit Jesus. They remind us Jesus is ‘the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep’, white for purity, red for sacrificial love.

9. Holly’s prickly leaves recall Jesus’ crown of thorns on the cross. Red berries symbolise His blood from His wounded hands, feet and side.

10. Bows, on presents, wreaths and trees, symbolise the unity of humankind, tied together in goodwill.

BUT what about Christmas Pudding? It’s late to the party, popularised by the Victorians! It began as ‘figgy pudding,’ served at the start of a meal, a thick broth of meat, dried fruit, spices and wine, thickened with breadcrumbs and ground almonds. Now it should have 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his disciples and be stirred clockwise to recall the Wise Men coming from the East.