The Christmas wreath is a popular decoration that we typically find hanging on a door, over the fireplace, or in windows. But, did you know that every element of the wreath has a symbolic meaning? The circular shape symbolizes eternity, it has no beginning and no end, just like Jesus’ love for us. The spikes on the holly remind us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore on his head, while the red symbolizes his blood shed for us. The star of the show - the evergreen represents new and everlasting life - the life freely given us through Christ. So every time you see a Christmas Wreath, remember that God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we can have everlasting life. 

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Takeaway: As you drive around your neighborhood, walk through the store, or even look around your house, every time you see a wreath think about a time when you have experienced God’s love.

The Christmas card was created by a man named Sir Henry Cole back in the 19th century. But in 1842, an Englishman named J.C. Horsley heard about this good idea and started selling Christmas cards. These early cards were illustrated with Nativity scenes, Christmas themes, and warm Christmas greetings. Today, just in the United States, there are more than 2 billion Christmas cards sent out every year.

John 20:21 says, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 

Takeaway: By sending Christmas cards that specifically focus on the hope and peace that Jesus brought, we are able to reach people near and far with a message that can change lives and homes forever. Make a list of people that you can show God’s love to by sending them a Christmas card. 

The Wise Men, also called Magi, followed a bright star in the sky thousands of miles because they wanted to worship Jesus. It’s unclear exactly how many wise men there were, but many believe that there were three due to the fact that they delivered three gifts to Jesus. The three gifts given to Jesus were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These kingly gifts symbolize who Jesus was and what He would accomplish. Gold was a gift for royalty, frankincense was a gift that represented holiness, and myrrh was a spice used for ancient burial. The wise men generously gave these gifts to acknowledge a future king and the savior of the world. Rather than waiting for Jesus to come to them, the wise men went looking for Jesus and sought out his goodness and truth.

Matthew 2:2 says, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” 

Takeaway: Consider who, or what, you are seeking to find and follow each day. How are you seeking after Jesus?

Bows are everywhere at Christmastime! We wrap bows around our Christmas gifts, we decorate our homes and Christmas trees, and you might even see a bow tied to the front of a car! Bows make whatever they are on look beautiful. Jesus has this same effect on our lives; he makes our lives beautiful. When placed in the center of everything we do, He unites us with one another and empowers us to share His love.  

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden…In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Takeaway: The word “good” in this passage can also be translated as beautiful. When we make Jesus the center of our lives, He gives us the ability to do “good” and "beautiful" works. What are examples of beautiful works we can do, and how could these things be a gift to everyone around us?

Edward Johnson, a friend of Thomas Edison, was the first to add electric Christmas lights to a Christmas tree. His tree had delicately painted glass bulbs that alternated colors every few seconds. Years later, families started using these lights to decorate the roofs of their homes at Christmastime. Decorating our homes with lights is symbolic because as Christians we are called to be the light of Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden…In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Takeaway: Make plans to drive around and simply enjoy all the outdoor Christmas lights. As you do, think about how you can show the light of Jesus to your neighbors this Christmas.

A long time ago in a small town there was a boy named Nicholas; he loved God and loved giving to others. When Nicholas grew up he became a leader in the church, and soon began giving away the wealth he had received from his family.. The best-known tale of this man, now remembered as Saint Nicholas, involved three young sisters who couldn’t pay for their weddings. Nicholas wanted to help, so he secretly climbed up onto the roof of their house and threw gold coins down the chimney that landed in the girls’ stockings, which were hanging over the fire to dry.  Saint Nicholas’s heart for giving to others came from a genuine love for God. 

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Takeaway: Have you experienced or witnessed someone being generous this season in the spirit of Saint Nicholas? How have you, or how can you be a cheerful giver?

In the middle ages, Christian homes and monasteries in Europe began baking sweet treats during holidays that intentionally incorporated both specific ingredients and shapes to teach biblical truths, serve as an act of devotion to God, as well as express faith through hospitality and creativity. For example, cinnamon symbolized Christ’s warmth and the sweetness of his presence, while cloves symbolized the eternal life we experience in Christ. The sharing of cookies is a reminder to us to be generous and to love like Christ.

Proverbs 22:9 says “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”

Takeaway: What is your must-have cookie at Christmas time? Bake some cookies and share them with someone else (perhaps your neighbors, your small group, or community members such as first responders, teachers,  or retail employees working long hours this holiday season).

The first known decorated Christmas trees originate in Germany in the 16th-18th centuries. Originally, Christmas trees were adorned with apples, wafers, and candles. All three together tell the story of the fall of man (the apple symbolizing the Tree of Knowledge in the garden of Eden that Adam and Eve ate from despite being forbidden to do so), redemption in Christ (the wafer symbolizing Christ’s body broken for us), and lastly Christ’s everlasting presence in our lives (the candles reminding us that He is our light). Over time, these decorations became more elaborate, adding in elements to symbolize the different aspects of the Christmas story - such as the shepherds, angels, and more.

Romans 5:19 says, “Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”

Takeaway: Look at the ornaments on your tree. Are there any that have a special meaning to you? Are there any that remind you of God’s love?

Feasts and meals are a common theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, God established annual festivals and feasts for His people to remember His faithfulness. In the New Testament we see countless times where Jesus spent time with people by sharing a meal with them. Sharing a meal and breaking bread brings people closer together; it was even one of Jesus’ last acts before He died.  At our church, we have the opportunity each week to get closer to God by taking communion, which reminds us of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins. When we sit together at the table for Christmas dinner, it’s another opportunity to thank God for sending his Son, Jesus, knowing that through Him, we can have a right relationship with God. 

John 6:35 says, “Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” 

Takeaway: As you eat your next meal with friends or family, take turns sharing specific ways you have seen and experienced God’s love this Christmas season.

During the very first Christmas, angels kept appearing out of nowhere. The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary proclaiming the good news that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Another angel appeared to Joseph, telling him that they shall name the Messiah Jesus. Then, the night of Jesus’ birth, an entire army of angels delivered the announcement of Jesus’ birth to shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem. Angels are messengers from God. They came to announce important news to others.

Luke 2:13-14 says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’.” 

Takeaway: Jesus is the most special gift that we can give or receive this Christmas. That’s why we are called to share Jesus with others. Who can you invite to Christmas services so that you can share the hope of Jesus with them?

On a cold December night, theologian Martin Luther, was walking through the forest and spotted the twinkling of stars through the branches of the giant fir trees. Overwhelmed by the amazing beauty of God’s creation he cut down a small fir tree and took it home. Martin Luther gathered up all of the candles in his home, lit them, and carefully placed them on the branches. As Martin Luther’s children watched the flickering flames of the candles they were able to experience the beauty of God’s creation in their own home. These lights not only remind us of God’s creation, but of how Jesus is the light of the world, and in His light there is always victory over darkness.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” 

Takeaway: Turn off all the lights in your home - except your Christmas tree. As you admire the light and its ability to shine brightly even in this dark space,  reflect on where you see God’s light in the world around you or where you’ve experienced His light in your own life.

Curling up in cozy clothes with a blanket, bowl of popcorn, and cup of hot cocoa is a Christmas tradition that many families treasure. Christmas movies become controversial when debates begin over which movie is ‘the best.’ What is your favorite Christmas movie? What themes, characters, or images do you believe must be present to qualify a movie as  ‘a Christmas movie?’

Many seasonal movies don’t specifically talk about Jesus or the nativity scene of his birth, but many do reflect the spiritual truths of hope, grace, and the meaning of love and family. God’s goodness and love shows up in almmost all stories if the characters are willing to accept it.

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father.”

Takeaway: Movie Night! After you watch a favorite, or even a new, Christmas movie reflect on where and how the themes of hope, love, peace, or joy were present in the story.

As a way of preparing for Christmas, people used to fast on Christmas Eve. So, when Christmas morning arrived, they were very hungry. A typical breakfast used to be porridge. However, over time things like dried fruit or honey were added. Then, flour and eggs were added and it became more like a sweet loaf of bread, or a fruitcake. Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem which literally means, “house of bread”, and He would later be referred to as the Bread of Life. Like bread, Jesus nourishes our heart with hope, forgiveness, and love.

Ephesians 5:2 says, “Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a sweet-smelling aroma.”

Takeaway: Have you ever tried a fruitcake? Did you like it? When in the last year have you experienced the sweet aroma of hope, forgiveness, and love?

Did you know that the word “carol” means to dance or a song of praise and joy? Francis of Assisi (uh-see-zee) introduced carols into formal worship during a midnight church service in Italy. He encouraged the town to “tell of your Christmas joy with song.” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “Joy to the World”, and “Silent Night” are Christmas carols that help prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Exodus 15:2 says, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” 

Takeaway: As you sing carols this Christmas, think about the words you are singing and the joy that they bring. What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?

One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the star. We use them to decorate our Christmas trees, our homes, and we even cut cookies into the shapes of stars. The most significant star is in the story of Christmas; it was the light that guided the Magi to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. God created this moment in history to place a spotlight on the humble beginnings of a child who would become our King.  Astronomers today have used science and computers to replicate what the sky could have looked like 2,000 years ago. Some suggest the Star of Bethlehem was a rare conjunction of planets that came together in brilliant synchronization. 

Matthew 2:10 says, “The sight of the star filled them with indescribable joy.”

Takeaway: Go on an adventure tonight, either around your house or your neighborhood (if it’s warm enough). Grab a flashlight and let it guide you through the darkness. Think about how Jesus is the light of your life and guides you each day.

Gift giving is as old as Christmas itself, but people didn’t always wrap a gift before they gave it to someone. In the late 1800s, almost all gifts were handmade. Once people started purchasing factory-made trinkets and toys they wanted to make these gifts feel as though there was more effort put into them. So the gift-giver began wrapping these presents in brown paper and decorating them. As you wrap gifts this Christmas, remember that the very first Christmas gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Luke 2:7 says, “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” 

Takeaway: Think about what it means that the gift of Jesus came wrapped as a baby. Why is it significant that Jesus was born in a stable and not a palace as one would expect for a king?

Bells have traditionally been used to make announcements. The construction of church buildings used to include bell towers and the bells would be rung to let the people in the village know that it was time to come to worship. At Christmastime, when we think of bells, we often think of jingle bells, also known as sleigh bells. When horses needed to pull sleighs full of people through the snow to get somewhere, sleigh bells were attached so people knew the sleigh was coming. Bells are a lot like the prophets in the Bible who talked about the coming of Jesus. God gave them messages to deliver to the people that proclaimed the coming of Savior. Whenever we hear Christmas bells, we can celebrate the arrival of that savior and announce that he came to share his love with everyone.

Isaiah 7:14 says, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Takeaway: Whenever you hear a bell ring this week, say a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus and his loving presence with you.

In the 1900s a candy maker took a sugary candy stick and added color and flavor to it which can be used to illustrate the meaning of Christmas. The hook was added to it so that it would look like a shepherd’s crook or if turned upside down it makes a ‘J’. The large red stripe represents the blood that was shed and the white represents the purity of Jesus. The candy is hard which reminds us that Jesus is our rock. When we take a first step toward following Jesus we discover that He is good and kind and we begin to see His goodness all around us. 

Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Takeaway: Enjoy a candy cane and consider which symbol of the candy cane is your favorite? Why does it mean the most to you?

In the 15th century, average people couldn’t read and oftentimes church services were in a language they didn’t understand. To help them learn the story of Jesus at Christmas, plays were performed on large parade-like wagons. These wagons would move from street to street performing one scene of the play after another. These plays told of Jesus’ first day on earth as well as his final instructions: to go into all the world and teach people the Good News of Jesus to everyone, everywhere. We are called to live our lives in a way that displays God’s life and love for everyone to see, as if we are one of these old Christmas plays that tells of the Good News of Jesus.

Matthew 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Takeaway: If someone asks you what the good news of Jesus is, how would you answer?

The Nativity scene illustrates the night of Jesus’ birth. From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, mankind was separated from God. This broke the Father’s heart and immediately He set a plan in motion to send His Son, the Messiah, to rescue and restore the Father’s relationship with His children. God had been dropping hints about the coming Messiah for hundreds of years. Hints like: a child would be born of a virgin, in the town of Bethlehem, and he would be a descendant of King David. God’s Word even points to the star of Bethlehem and the Magi. Nativity scenes, pictures and 3D models, help us remember the moment Jesus came to earth, even if they all look a little different because we aren’t sure how many sheep were present or what color the walls were. What we do know is that God delivered His promised gift, exactly as He said He would.

Luke 2:10-11 says, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Takeaway: How many nativity scenes do you have in your home? What does each look like? Reflect on how they are different, how they are the same, and what they display about Jesus.

When we think of Christmas we often think of colors like red, green, white, blue, and gold. Each color holds a special meaning. Green reminds us of living things like plants and trees and the eternal life that we have in Christ. While red reminds us of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, and white reminds us of the pureness of Jesus. Gold was one of the gifts given to Jesus by the wise men, and blue reminds us of the sky and heaven.

Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” 

Takeaway: Are there other colors that help you remember the meaning of Christmas?

During the seventh century, an English missionary to Germany named Saint Boniface, came across some men offering sacrifices to an oak tree for their pagan god. Angered by their sin, Saint Boniface cut down the tree with one swing of his axe declaring that “the cross of Christ shall break the hammer of the false god.”. Years later, from the tree stump, a pine tree began to grow. Saint Boniface used this as an example of Jesus’ victory over death and the eternal life we have through Him. Have you ever noticed that a pine tree always points toward heaven? To this day, the Christmas tree shows us that through Jesus’s death on the cross, each of us can have everlasting life.

1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.”

Takeaway: Spend some time looking at your Christmas tree - at the lights, the ornaments, the decorations, and consider what other ways the tree reminds you of Jesus.

We celebrate many traditions during Christmastime; the lights, the tree, the ornaments, the candies, and treats. All of these are traditions that point us back to a common belief that Jesus is the reason for the season. In fact, opening gifts is a tradition that varies around the world. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Do you put them under the tree or hide them in the branches? Are they wrapped or unwrapped? No matter how you do it, the most important thing is that the gift is opened. Imagine investing your time, your money and your thought into the perfect gift for someone, and they refuse to open it. God gave the gift of His Son, Jesus, to you. There is nothing that pleases God more than when someone receives this gift by believing in Jesus. 

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

Takeaway: Have you received Jesus? If not, reflect on what it would mean to receive God’s gift of His Son, Jesus? Visit outlookchurch.org/yes to learn more. If you have already received Jesus, consider who God might want you to share his gift with?

In the 1600s, the British conquered Ireland and implemented harsh laws that affected Irishmen. The British even drove out the religious leaders and warned them never to return. However, on Christmas Eve, Irish families of faith would place three candles in their windows to represent Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. These signaled to a traveling priest that the doors were unlocked and he would be welcome to come in, share a meal with the family, and celebrate Christmas.

John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 

Takeaway: Believers understood that no matter how powerful their oppressors were they could not wipe out the Light of Jesus. Light a candle in your home and think about the ways that you can stand firm in your faith even when you are facing challenges. 

Simmer pots date back to ancient Greek and Roman cultures where people boiled aromatic herbs and spices to mark the changing of seasons. Eventually, households in Europe and early America used simmer pots to create a warm, welcoming scent in their homes, and to mask everyday odors before the invention of modern air fresheners. Because our sense of smell is strongly connected to memory, the aromas of simmer pots, festive candles, and holiday air fresheners can easily remind us of Christmases past. 

A simmer pot can even be crafted to reflect the story of Christmas: star anise representing the Bethlehem star; cinnamon sticks symbolizing the shepherds; cloves and nutmeg pointing to the fragrant gifts of the wise men; an evergreen sprig or rosemary representing hope everlasting; and orange slices reflecting the bright light of hope and joy Jesus brought into the world. 

2 Corinthians 2:15 “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

Takeaway: Create a simmer pot or light a festive candle and enjoy the aroma of Christmas filling the place you gather today. As you breathe in those warm, comforting scents, thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus, who brought never-ending love to the world. Then consider how you can share that pleasing aroma of Christ’s love with others.