Stone Tablets from Genesis

       The Tables of the Law as they are widely known in English, or Tablets of Stone, Stone Tablets, or Tablets of Testimony (in Hebrew: לוחות הברית Luchot HaBrit - "the tablets [of] the covenant") in the Hebrew Bible, were the two pieces of stone inscribed with the Ten Commandments when Moses ascended Mount Sinai as written in the Book of Exodus. Exodus 31:18 refers to the tablets as the "Tablets of (the) Testimony".

       According to the Bible, there were two sets. The first, inscribed by God, (Exodus 31:18) were smashed by Moses when he was enraged by the sight of the Children of Israel worshipping a golden calf (Exodus 32:19) and the second were later cut by Moses and rewritten by God. (Exodus 34:1)

       Both the first shattered set and the second unbroken set were stored in the Ark of the Covenant (the Aron Habrit in Hebrew).

Hebrew Form.

      In Jewish religious tradition, the arrangement of the commandments on the two tablets is interpreted in different ways. Rabbi Hanina ben Gamaliel said that each tablet contained five commandments, "but the Sages say ten on one tablet and ten on the other". Because the commandments establish a covenant, it is likely that they were duplicated on both tablets. This can be compared to diplomatic treaties of Ancient Egypt, in which a copy was made for each party. But the tablets may have contained not only the Ten Commandments but also additional precepts and words as can be inferred from the verses Exodus 31:18, Exodus 34:1, Exodus 34:27-28. 

Catholic and Lutheran

Greek and Calvinistic

The Seven Candles Symbol

        The candelabra symbol, Christ and His church, the light of true doctrine, with seven branches, references the seven Churches in the Book of Revelation.

• The Seven Churches at Blue Letter Bible
• Letters to Seven Churches by Professor Walter J. Veith, PhD
• Seven Churches in Revelation at All About... Archaeology
• Explain the meanings of the messages to the seven churches in Revelation

Scriptural References for Seven Candles in Chrismons:

• "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV)
• "But if we live in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim to be already free from sin, we lead ourselves astray and the truth has no place in our hearts. If we confess our sins, He is so faithful and just that He forgives us our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:7-9 (WNT)
• "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night"-- even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You." Psalm 139:7-12 (HCSB)
• "to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.' Acts 26:18 (NLT)
• 'But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9 (BSB)

• A stained glass window depicting the Seven Golden Candlesticks from Revelation 1:9-11.

•  "I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea." Revelation 1: 9-11 (NIV)

A traditional Jewish Menorah.

       The original menorah was made for the Tabernacle, and the Bible records it as being present until the Israelites crossed the Jordan river. When the Tabernacle tent was pitched in Shiloh (Joshua 18:1), it is assumed that the menorah was also present. However, no mention is made of it during the years that the Ark of the Covenant was moved in the times of Samuel and Saul. There is no further mention of the menorah in Solomon's temple, except in (1 Kings 7:49) and (2 Chronicles 4:7) as he creates ten lampstands. These are recorded as being taken away to Babylon by the invading armies under the general Nebuzar-Adan (Jeremiah 52:19) some centuries later.

• History in Sevens from Teachinghearts
• The Mystery of the Menorah
• Hanukkah Menorah: The mystery and the Messiah

A fancier looking candle stand.

A Davidic Harp Chrismon Pattern

One etymology of Kinneret, the Hebrew name of the Sea of Galilee, is that it derives from kinnor, on account of the shape of the lake resembling that of the instrument. If this etymology is correct it may be relevant to the question of the shape of the instrument.

Davidic harps are shaped to resemble the Sea of Galilee and are often included on Chrismon trees. Above I have included a simpler version of the pattern below for those of you working with little ones. The complicated design below may be used for embroidery.

Scriptural References for Davidic Harp Chrismons:

• "O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth." Psalm 96:1 (KJV)
• "David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence." 2 Samuel 22:1-3 (NLT)
• "David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting." 1 Chronicles 29:10 (NIV)

A 16th Century Pomegranate Design for Chrismons

16th Century Pomegranate Design.

       This pomegranate design comes from the sixteenth century. 

       Pomegranates are not nearly as commonplace as other emblems in the Christian church. In fact, a large proportion of the pomegranates turn out to be pineapples when examined closely. Pomegranates in later centuries often are depicted in the royal badges of the Tudors, and are not intended to be church emblems at all.

       The fruit was, however, an accepted symbol of the richness of Divine Grace, and is either shown split open, with the abundant seeds of new life showing, or it is "voided," and the sacred monogram occupies the space. Certainly, after the rose, it was the favorite flower on which the broiderers showed their skill. 

       For those of you crafting Chrismons strickly in white and gold, I would suggest perhaps the exception to this rule of practice be made. For the seeds central to the pattern here would be lovely in a brilliant, bloody red and an appropriate color choice this would be too, for the seed of Christ is often associated with his precious blood. 

       There is also a crown included at the top of this pomegranate as well. (symbolic for Christ) A unique design for Chrismon collectors and crafters everywhere.

Scripture References for The Pomegranate Chrismon:

•  "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6 (KJB)
• "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (KJB) 

pomegranate bursting open design

Medallion shaped pomegranate pattern.

More About Pomegranate Symbolism:

• Pomegranates are the symbols of righteousness among the Jewish people.
• The significance of the pomegranate in ancient Greece
• The Pomegranate: A Rosh Hashanah Symbol

The Magen David Symbol

The Magen David is the Star of David.

     During the 19th century the symbol began to proliferate amongst the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, ultimately being used amongst the Jewish communities in the Pale of Settlement. A significant motivating factor was the desire to imitate the influence of the Christian cross. The earliest Jewish usage of the symbol was inherited from medieval Arabic literature by Kabbalists for use in talismanic protective amulets (segulot) where it was known as a Seal of Solomon. The symbol was also used in Christian churches as a decorative motif many centuries before its first known use in a Jewish synagogue. Before the 19th century, official use in Jewish communities was generally known only in the region of today's Czech Republic, Austria and possibly parts of Southern Germany, having begun in medieval Prague.

Scripture References for the Magen David Chrismon:

• "When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever." 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (JPS Tanakh 1917)
• "And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Matthew 9:27 (ESV)
• ""What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions." Matthew 22: 42-46 (NIV)

More About David's Star:

• David's Star with a Pentacle 
• The Medieval Stars of David