The Meaning of Chrismons
The word Chrismon is derived from two words, the word Christ and the word monogram. The Ascension
Lutheran Church of Danville, Virginia was the first church to use the symbols to “proclaim the name, the life
and the saving acts of Jesus the Christ,” on a tree at Christmas. Thus, creating the first Chrismon Tree, a
tradition adapted by many churches today. Many of the symbols come from Christian history and were used by
the early Church while others were developed throughout the centuries as expressions of Christian faith, but all
serve to point us toward the glory of God.
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Evergreen tree - the symbol for eternal life
Lights - remind us that Christ is the light of the
world
Gold - the color gold is a symbol of majesty and
glory
White - the color white is a symbol of purity and
perfection
Butterfly - the symbol of new life and
resurrection
Angel - portrays the spirits God created to praise
and serve him
An angel told of the birth, resurrection and
ascension of Christ
Shell - symbol for baptism
Descending Dove - symbol of the Holy Spirit
Chalice - symbol for faith or worship and Holy
Communion
Fish - an early symbol of Christians
IXPOYC - often used with the fish symbol, the
Greek letters stand for Jesus - Christ - God - Son
- Savior
Latin Cross - a symbol of Jesus representing the
kind of Cross on which he died, the emptiness
stands for his resurrection
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Triangle - represents the three persons of the
Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
Tirquetra - another Trinitarian symbol pointing
to the revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit
IHC or IHS - a Greek abbreviation for the name
Jesus
Crown - symbol of the kingship of Jesus, the
King of kings and the Lord of lords
Christmas Rose - a symbol of the Messianic
promise
Lamb - Jesus is the lamb of God, “Behold the
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the
world.”
Five-pointed Star - derived from a Greek work
meaning appearance or revelation is used as a
symbol for Epiphany.
Eight-pointed Star - symbol of spiritual
regeneration, often associated with the Beatitudes
Dove - symbol of peace
XP Chi Rho - ancient Greek monogram for
Christ
The beautiful Chrismons at Epworth United Methodist Church were hand made by several women lead by Ginny Tinsley and Joyce
Pruitt. The materials were donated by the Justice Family in memory of their son and brother, Hal Justice.
These Chrismons have been lovingly cared for by the Altar Guild since 1994.