Sword Symbols in Chrismons

Sword and scripture of St. Paul symbol based upon Ephesians 6:17.

       The Sword, in general sense, is the symbol of violent death or martyrdom. It is also the emblem of the soldier of Christ, who wields the "Sword of the Spirit."

Crossed swords of St. Paul. Two crossed swords mean that the soldier is ready
for a battle. If the swords are pointed down, it means that the battle has finished.

Pierced heart represents the presentation in the temple. ( or Candlemas).
The act of Divine love and service requires the sword to bear truth under
 all circumstances. This truth for Christ meant that He had to be made a living
 sacrifice. Jesus, is both King of angels and men and in being so his heart became
pierced with truth, purity and love. The wings are a reference to his
 kingship in Heaven.

Simple sword symbol.

Scripture References for Sword Chrismons:

• "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
• "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
• "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV)
• "From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty." Revelation 19:15 (ESV)
  

The Lion Symbol

       There are many lion images in scripture and Christian literature that refer to Christ. Below are just a few of the most popular:

• The biblical Judah (in Hebrew: Yehuda) is the original name of the Tribe of Judah, which is traditionally symbolized by a lion. 
• In Genesis, the patriarch Jacob ("Israel") gave that symbol to his tribe when he refers to his son Judah as a Gur Aryeh גּוּר אַרְיֵה יְהוּדָה, "Young Lion" (Genesis 49:9) when blessing him. 
• In Jewish naming tradition the Hebrew name and the substitute name are often combined as a pair, as in this case. The Lion of Judah was used as a Jewish symbol for many years, and as Jerusalem was the capital of the Kingdom of Judah, in 1950 it was included in the Emblem of Jerusalem.
• In Christian tradition, Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel is symbolized by a lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. 
• It also represents Jesus' Resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king. 
• The prophet Amos said (Amos, 3, 8): "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?", i.e., when the gift of prophecy comes upon a person, he has no choice but to speak out.
• Several Biblical accounts document the presence of lions, and cultural perception of them in ancient Palestine. The best known Biblical account featuring lions comes from the Book of Daniel (chapter 6), where Daniel is thrown into a den of lions and miraculously survives.
• A lesser known Biblical account features Samson who kills a lion with his bare hands, later sees bees nesting in its carcass, and poses a riddle based on this unusual incident to test the faithfulness of his fiancee (Judges 14).
• Aslan is the main character in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia series. He is "the Great Lion" of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and his role in Narnia is developed throughout the remaining books. He is also the only character to appear in all seven books of the series. Aslan is Turkish for "lion". Lewis often capitalizes the word lion in reference to Aslan, since he represents Jesus Christ.
• The lion is a common charge in heraldry. It traditionally symbolizes bravery, nobility, royalty, strength, stateliness, and valour, because historically it has been regarded as the king of beasts.

Lion of Judah in medallion.

Scripture References for Lion Chrismons:

• "Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen. " Psalm 22:21 (HCSB)
• "My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty." Daniel 6:22 (NIV)
• "But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death." 2 Timothy 4:17 (NLT)
• "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight." Hebrews 11:32-34 (ESV)

More About Lions:

• In the Den of Lions by Liam Goligher
• Daniel Facing the Lion's Den by Spurgeon
• Daniel in The Lions's Den by Pastor H. B. Charles Jr.
• The Lion's Roar - Alistair Begg
• Bible versus about Satan as Roaring Lion 
• How to Tame Lions

Trinity Emblems With The Name of God in Hebrew

 

       These Trinity symbols share three similar elements: divergent rays, simple triangles, and Hebrew text of God's Name. During the late 1800s through WWI times, it was usually to be seen painted over the altars In our churches, particularly in the classic ones built during the former two centuries, either encircled with divergent rays  or surrounded by clouds to give It prominence and effect. The inscription at the center of the triangle is the name of God or Jehovah, written in Hebrew characters.  The circle of rays may be accepted as symbolic of eternity; but when the idea of eternal existence is  desired to be distinctly expressed, a circle should be described around the emblem or a circular shape of rays, indicative of glory and brightness, may be placed around the triangle if considered desirable.

Scripture Resources for The Trinity Emblem in Hebrew:

• Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." Genesis 1:26 (NIV)
• And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." Genesis 3:22 (NIV)
• " Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." Genesis 11:7 (NIV)
• And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." Let me announce the decree of the LORD that he told me: "You are my son, today I have become your father. Psalm 2:6,7 (ISV)
• For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. Isaiah 54:5 (ESV) (Maker from the Hebrew is plural.)
• "Come closer, and listen to this. From the beginning I have told you plainly what would happen." And now the Sovereign LORD and his Spirit have sent me with this message. This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow." Isaiah 48:16,17 (NLT) (three persons in reference)

 More About The Trinity:

• Is the Doctrine of the Trinity Found in the Old Testament? 
• Trinity: plural references to God in the Old Testament
• The Trinity in the Old Testament: A Canonical Approach
• What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?

Grape Patterns for Chrismon Trees

A greyscale of grapes and a leaf.

              In Christian iconography, the grape vine or vineyard frequently appears in scripture:

• In the Bible, grapes are first mentioned when Noah grows them on his farm (Genesis 9:20–21).
• Instructions concerning wine are given in the book of Proverbs and in the book of Isaiah, such as in Proverbs 20:1 and Isaiah 5:20–25. 
• Deuteronomy 18:3–5,14:22–27,16:13–15 tell of the use of wine during Jewish feasts.
• The parable of the kingdom of heaven likened to the father starting to engage laborers for his vineyard. Matthew 20:1-16
• The vine is used as symbol of Jesus Christ based on his own statement, “I am the vine.” John 15:5
• The vine as symbol of the chosen people is employed several times in the Old Testament. Joel 1:7, Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalms 80:8-11
• The vine and wheat ear have been frequently used as symbol of the blood and flesh of Christ, hence figuring as symbols (bread and wine) of the Eucharist/Communion. Luke 22:15

A simple pattern of grapes and one large leaf.

Scripture References for Grape Chrismons:

• "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 (KJB)
• "And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Luke 22:15 (ESV)
• "So Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever." John 6:53-58 (NLT)

More About Symbolism of Grapes, Wine and Vineyards:

• The history of Israel under the symbolism of a vine 
• The Symbolism of Vine in Scripture
• Significance of the Vine Motif in John Chapter 15 
• I Am The Vine, You Are The Branches...
• The Vine and the Branches

Early Trinity Symbols in Chrismons

A Trine Compass, described by Chaucer.

       Triangle is said to be the oldest symbol to represent the Trinity. The importance of the Triangle as a Christian symbol is perhaps not fully realized, let the value of its significance be impressed by quoting from an authority in art. "Triangle. An equilateral triangle is a symbol of the Holy Trinity, and many figures in Christian ornament are constructed on this principle, as types of that mystery. The equilateral triangle is found in the most beautiful arches, in the proportions of the churches themselves, and next to the cross, is the most important form in Christian design." Fairholt's Dictionary of terms in Art
       The Circle is so well known as a symbol of eternity, or expressing that which has neither beginning nor ending, that its presence with the triangle seems to need no explanation.
       One form "apt and venerable" the trine compass (as it was called by Chaucer), or a circle inscribed within an equilateral triangle: denoting the co-equality and co-eternity of the three divine persons in the ever blessed and undivided Trinity" During the first eight centuries of Christian art, the use of the Triangle was not well developed. In that period the three persons of the Trinity were represented in art, but separately. The first time they seem to have been placed together, was in the fourth century, and that representation consisted of "the Hand, the Lamb, and the Dove, " which is said no longer to exist. There is instanced a drawing of a triangle on one of the grave-stones in the Catacombs, in which the monogram of the name of Christ is placed. Elizabeth Clifford Neff

• Scriptural References for The Holy Trinity here

The Eagle With Her Eaglets Chrismon Symbol...

Offspring of eagles are called "eaglets." This term is used when three
or more Eagles are shown on a field. They represent immature Eagles.
Above is a stained-glass Chrismon of an eagle and her eaglets; color it
and hang it on your Christmas tree to remind you of the eagle scriptures
in the Bible.

       The eagle is used in heraldry as a charge, as a supporter, and as a crest. The eagle with its keen eyes symbolized perspicacity, courage, strength and immortality, but is also considered "king of the skies" and messenger of the highest gods. With these attributed qualities the eagle became a symbol of power and strength in Ancient Rome. Mythologically, it has been connected by the Greeks with the god zeus, by the Romans with jupiter, by the Germanic tribes with odin.
       In the Judeo-Christian scriptures eagles are associated with those who hope in God (Isaiah 40:31), and in Christian art with Saint John the Evangelist.
       An eagle lectern is a lectern in the shape of an eagle on whose outstretched wings the Bible rests. They are most common in Anglican churches and cathedrals. Read more...

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States of America. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery (usually involving the golden eagle) was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States depicting a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and an olive branch with its talons. Both olive branches and arrows have very specific meanings in Judeo-Christian culture.

Scripture References for Eagle Chrismons:

• "Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their life, And in their death they were not parted; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions. " 2 Samuel 1:23
• "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31
• "When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens." Proverbs 23:5

More About Eagle Imagery in The Bible:

• Traits of the Eagle and How It  Pertains To Our Christian Walk
• Spiritual Meanings of The Eagle in The Bible
• Birds (In Symbolism) from New Advent
  

Three Crown of Thorns Chrismon Patterns

Triclavianism is the belief that three nails were used to crucify Jesus Christ.
 The exact number of Holy Nails has been a matter of theological debate for centuries.

       The mocking of Jesus occurred several times, after his trial and before his crucifixion according to the canonical gospels of the New Testament. It is considered part of Jesus' passion.

       According to the gospel narratives, Jesus had predicted that he would be mocked (Matthew 20:19, Mark 10:34, and Luke 18:32). The mocking of Christ took place in three stages: immediately following his trial, immediately following his condemnation by Pontius Pilate, and when he was being crucified.

       The New Testament narratives of Jesus being mocked are filled with irony, while the mockery focuses on Jesus' prophetic and kingly roles.

       According to three of the canonical Gospels a woven crown of thorns was placed on the head of Jesus during the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. It was one of the instruments of the Passion, employed by Jesus' captors both to cause him pain and to mock his claim of authority. It is mentioned in the gospels of Matthew (27:29), Mark (15:17), and John (19:2, 5) and is often alluded to by the early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, Origen, and others. Read more...

This Crown of Thorns is surrounded by a "sun halo." This type of halo is used on Chrismon trees as a symbolic reference to: the Deity of Christ who is the son of God. It is the appropriation of one symbol to contextualize another.

Read more about the "IHS" symbol for Christ here.

Scripture References for a Crown of Thorns Chrismon:

• "But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Galatians 3:13 (NLT)
• "And to the man he said, "Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains." Genesis 3:17-18 (NLT)
• "But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." Hebrews 2:9 (NIV)
• "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." Isaiah 53:3 (NIV)
• "And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands." John 19:2-5 (ESV)
• "and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.
   Matthew 27:29 (NIV)

Crown of thorns, Alpha and Omega plus the Chi Rho Chrismon Stencil.

Olive Branch Chrismon Pattern

The olive-branch is the emblem of reconciliation and peace. Noah was sent an olive leaf by the LORD in the mouth of a dove, after the waters of the Great Flood had receded. Genesis 8:11.

       The olive branch is a symbol of peace or victory and was historically worn by brides and virgins. This symbol, deriving from the customs of ancient Greece, is best known in Western culture. However, it can be found in almost every culture and religion in the Mediterranean basin.
       The olive branch appears with a dove in early Christian art. The dove derives from the simile of the Holy Spirit in the Gospels and the olive branch from classical symbolism. The early Christians, according to Winckelmann, often allegorized peace on their sepulchers by the figure of a dove bearing an olive branch in its beak. For example, in the Catacomb of Priscilla in Rome (2nd – 5th centuries CE) there is a depiction of three men (traditionally taken to be Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of the Book of Daniel) over whom hovers a dove with a branch; and in another of the Roman catacombs there is a shallow relief sculpture showing a dove with a branch flying to a figure marked in Greek ΕΙΡΗΝΗ (Eirene, or Peace).

Scriptural References About Olive Branch Chrismons:

• "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever." Psalm 52:8 (ESV)
• "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree," Romans 11:17 (ESV)
• "his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon." Hosea 14:6 (ESV)

Bell Symbolism in Chrismon Ornaments

This stained glass pattern of a lady musician ringing church bells may be printed and colored in. Hang it on your Chrismon or Christmas tree to remember the symbolism behind bells at Advent.

       A church bell in the Christian tradition is a bell which is rung in a church for a variety of church purposes, and can be heard outside the building. Traditionally they were used to call worshipers to the church for a communal service, and to announce times of daily prayer, called the canonical hours. They are also rung on special occasions such as a wedding, or a funeral service. In some religious traditions they are used within the liturgy of the church service to signify to people that a particular part of the service has been reached. The ringing of church bells, in the Christian tradition, is also believed to drive out demons.

       The traditional European church bell (see cutaway drawing) used in Christian churches worldwide consists of a cup-shaped metal resonator with a pivoted clapper hanging inside which strikes the sides when the bell is swung. It is hung within a steeple or bell tower of a church or religious building, so the sound can reach a wide area. Such bells are either fixed in position ("hung dead") or hung from a pivoted beam (the "headstock") so they can swing to and fro. A rope hangs from a lever or wheel attached to the headstock, and when the bell ringer pulls on the rope the bell swings back and forth and the clapper hits the inside, sounding the bell. Bells that are hung dead are normally sounded by hitting the sound bow with a hammer or occasionally by a rope which pulls the internal clapper against the bell.

       A church may have a single bell, or a collection of bells which are tuned to a common scale. They may be stationary and chimed, rung randomly by swinging through a small arc, or swung through a full circle to enable the high degree of control of English change ringing.

       Before modern communications, church bells were a common way to call the community together for all purposes, both sacred and secular.

Scripture References for Bell Chrismons:

• "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
• "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name." Psalm 103:1 (NIV)
• "How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:22 (NIV)
• "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

The Gospel Cross Chrismon

The word gospel, meaning "good news" or "glad tidings", is derived from the Greek word εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion. The gospel was considered the "good news" of the coming Kingdom of Messiah, and of redemption through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the central Christian message. The Greek word euangelion is also the source (via Latinized evangelium) of the terms "evangelist" and "evangelism" in English. The authors of the four canonical Christian gospels are known as the Four Evangelists.This is why there are four books depicted with the Gospel Cross: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

       In Christianity, the Gospel (Greek: εὐαγγέλιον euangélion; Old English: gospel), or the Good News, is the news of the coming of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15), and of Jesus's death on the cross and resurrection to restore people's relationship with God. It may also include the descent of the Holy Spirit upon believers and the second coming of Jesus.

       The message of good news is described as a narrative in the four canonical gospels. The message of good news is described as theology in many of the New Testament letters. It relates to the saving acts of God due to the work of Jesus on the cross and Jesus' resurrection from the dead which bring reconciliation ("atonement") between people and God.

       Christian theology describes the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ not as a new concept, but one that has been foretold throughout the Old Testament and was prophetically preached even at the time of the Fall of Man as contained in Genesis. It is called Proto-Evangelion or Proto-Gospel.

The good news can be summarized in many ways, reflecting various emphases. Cambridge New Testament scholar C.H. Dodd (1964 has summarized the Christian good news as taught by the apostle Peter in the Book of Acts (see Kerygma; Acts 2:14-41; Acts 3:11-4:4; Acts 10:34-43):

1. "But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." Acts 3:18-26 (KJB) (The Age of Fulfillment has dawned, the "latter days" foretold by the prophets.) 
2.  "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. Acts 2:22-31 (KJB) (This has taken place through the birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.)
3.  "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:32-36 (KJB) (By virtue of the resurrection, Jesus has been exalted at the right hand of God as Messianic head of the new Israel.) 
4.  "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:44-48 (KJB) (The Holy Spirit in the church is the sign of Christ's present power and glory.)
5.  "And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." Acts 3:20-21(KJB) (The Messianic Age will reach its consummation in the return of Christ.)
6.  "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:37-41 (KJB) (An appeal is made for repentance with the offer of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and salvation.) 

Scripture References for The Gospel Cross Chrismon:

• "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28: 18-20 (NASB)
• "I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself." Ephesians 1: 19-23 (NLT)
• So also, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Know then that those of faith, these are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, having foreseen that God justifies the Gentiles by faith, foretold the gospel to Abraham: "All the nations will be blessed in you." So then, those of faith are blessed along with the believing Abraham. Galatians 3:6-9 (BLB)
• "The LORD had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12: 1-3 (NIV)

"Ain't That Good News!"

Planet Earth Symbol

       The planet symbol for Earth reminds us of our place of origin. Although it is a place where evil can reside, because of the Fall, God has also given us good things here: companionship, love, joy, etc... and most important, He has provided a way for our safe return through Christ.

Scripture References for The Planet Earth Chrismon:

• "This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens." Genesis 2:5 (NIV)
• "He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to him, for he made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, " Psalm 95:4-5 (NLT)
• "The earth mourns and withers, the world fades and withers, the exalted of the people of the earth fade away. The earth is also polluted by its inhabitants, for they transgressed laws, violated statutes, broke the everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse devours the earth, and those who live in it are held guilty. Therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left." Isaiah 24:4-6 (NASB)
• "The nations were enraged, and Your wrath has come. The time has come to judge the dead, and to reward Your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth." Revelation 11:18 (BSB)

A Shamrock Chrismon Symbol

       Trefoil (from Latin trifolium, "three-leaved plant", French trèfle, Italian trifoglio, German Dreiblatt and Dreiblattbogen, Dutch klaver, "clover", same as clubs) is a graphic form composed of the outline of three overlapping rings used in architecture and Christian symbolism. The term is also applied to other symbols of three-fold shape.

       Traditionally, shamrock is said to have been used by Saint Patrick to illustrate the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity when Christianizing Ireland in the 5th century. The first evidence of a link between St Patrick and the shamrock appears in 1675 on the St Patrick's Coppers or Halpennies. These appear to show a figure of St Patrick preaching to a crowd while holding a shamrock, presumably to explain the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. In pagan Ireland, three was a significant number and the Irish had many triple deities, which could have aided St Patrick in his evangelization efforts. Patricia Monaghan states that "There is no evidence that the clover or wood sorrel (both of which are called shamrocks) were sacred to the Celts". However, Jack Santino speculates that "The shamrock was probably associated with the earth and assumed by the druids to be symbolic of the regenerative powers of nature ... Nevertheless, the shamrock, whatever its history as a folk symbol, today has its meaning in a Christian context. Pictures of Saint Patrick depict him driving the snakes out of Ireland with a cross in one hand and a sprig of shamrocks in the other." Roger Homan writes, "We can perhaps see St Patrick drawing upon the visual concept of the triskele when he uses the shamrock to explain the Trinity".

       The first written mention of the link does not appear until 1681, in the account of Thomas Dineley, an English traveller to Ireland. Dineley writes:

"The 17th day of March yeerly is St Patricks, an immoveable feast, when ye Irish of all stations and condicions were crosses in their hatts, some of pinns, some of green ribbon, and the vulgar superstitiously wear shamroges, 3 leav'd grass, which they likewise eat (they say) to cause a sweet breath."

       There is nothing in Dineley's account of the legend of St. Patrick using the shamrock to teach the mystery of the Holy Trinity, and this story does not appear in writing anywhere until a 1726 work by the botanist Caleb Threlkeld. Threlkeld identifies the shamrock as White Field Clover (Trifolium pratense album ) and comments rather acerbically on the custom of wearing the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day:

"This plant is worn by the people in their hats upon the 17. Day of March yearly, (which is called St. Patrick's Day.) It being a current tradition, that by this Three Leafed Grass, he emblematically set forth to them the Mystery of the Holy Trinity. However that be, when they wet their Seamar-oge, they often commit excess in liquor, which is not a right keeping of a day to the Lord; error generally leading to debauchery."

• Scriptural References for The Holy Trinity here

St. Patrick's Shamrock Symbol.

Cherubim Chrismon Pattern

       A cherub (/ˈtʃɛrəb/; also pl. cherubim; Hebrew: כְּרוּב‎‎ kərūv, pl. כְּרוּבִים‎, kərūvîm; Latin cherub, pl. cherubin, cherubim; Syriac ܟܪܘܒܐ) is one of the unearthly beings who directly attend to God according to Abrahamic religions. The numerous depictions of cherubim assign to them many different roles; their original duty having been the protection of the Garden of Eden. Angelic status is not attributed to cherubim in the Old Testament (at least not explicitly); only in later sources such as De Coelesti Hierarchia are they identified as a hierarchical rank of angels. Read more...

Scripture References for Cherubim Chrismons:

• "After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." Genesis 3:24 (NIV)
• "Make two cherubim of gold; make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat." Exodus 25:18 (HCSB)
• "So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God." 1 Samuel 4:4 (ESV)
• "I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north--an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human, but each of them had four faces and four wings." Ezekiel 1:4-6 (NIV)
• "Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now." Hebrews 9:5 (BSB)
• "For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above." 1 Kings 8:7 (KJB)

Sheaves of Wheat for a Chrismon Tree

In the Bible, sheaves of wheat are symbolic for the
 maturing of love or the development of charity.

       A sheaf is a bundle of cereal plant stems bound together after harvesting, or reaping. The sheaves are bound using the stem material and are stacked together in a stook with the stems vertical and the seed heads aligned; this keeps the heads off the ground, allows the grain to dry, discourages vermin, makes the crop easier to pick up and is convenient for winnowing or threshing. Reaping is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest, typically using a scythe or sickle. Grass for hay was also sheaved and stacked to dry in the field in this way but is now usually mechanically windrowed and baled.
      Sheaves as apposed to singular stalks imply groups, tribes or churches. Singular stalk Chrismons usually are references to the Holy Communion. Just as the sheaves of wheat represented not only Joseph's brothers but their tribes as well in Genesis, so do sheave imagery represent entire groups of faithful believers as apposed to one single, individual believer.

Scripture References for Sheaves of Wheat Chrismon:

• "For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about and made obeisance to my sheaf.
  " Genesis 37:7 (Jubilee Bible 2000)
• "Thy navel is like a round goblet, which wanteth not liquor: thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies." Song of Solomon 7:2 (KJV)
• ""Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops, bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest. On the day after the Sabbath, the priest will lift it up before the LORD so it may be accepted on your behalf." Leviticus 23:10-11 (NLT)
• "But now Christ has been raised out from the dead, the firstfruit of those having fallen asleep.
  " 1 Corinthians 15:20 (BLB)
• "And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field." Exodus 23:16 (KJV)

Pictured with this wheat are tools for the harvest.

An alternative 'Sheaves of Wheat' design.

Read & Learn More About:

• The Wave Sheaf Offering 
• The Threshingfloor
• Spiritual Meaning of Wheat from Bible Meanings  

A church community comes together to decorate their 

Chrismon tree with handmade ornaments.

Harvest Hymns and Worship Songs:

• Seasons Worship Song
• We See The Fruitful Harvest

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)

The Heart Symbol for Chrismons

Add a favorite scripture to the banner wrapped heart.

       The heart shape in its metaphorical or symbolic sense as the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially (but not exclusively) romantic love.

       The combination of the heart shape and its use within the heart metaphor developed at the end of the Middle Ages, although the shape has been used in many ancient epigraphy monuments and texts. With possible early examples or direct predecessors in the 13th to 14th century, the familiar symbol of the heart representing love developed in the 15th century, and became popular in Europe during the 16th. Before the 14th century, the heart shape was not associated with the meaning of the heart metaphor. The geometric shape itself is found in much earlier sources, but in such instances does not depict a heart, but typically foliage: in examples from antiquity fig leaves, and in medieval iconography and heraldry typically the leaves of ivy and of the water-lily.

Scripture References for Heart Chrismons:

• "But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." Joshua 22:5 (NIV)
• "Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart." Psalm 119:2 (NIV)
• "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24 (NIV)
• "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

The Phoenix Rising as A Christian Symbol

         In Greek mythology, a phoenix (Ancient Greek: φοῖνιξ phoinix; Latin: phoenix, phœnix, fenix) is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn.

       Associated with the Sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. According to some sources, the phoenix dies in a show of flames and combustion, although there are other sources that claim that the legendary bird dies and simply decomposes before being born again. According to some texts, the phoenix could live over 1,400 years before rebirth. Herodotus, Lucan, Pliny the Elder, Pope Clement I, Lactantius, Ovid, and Isidore of Seville are among those who have contributed to the retelling and transmission of the phoenix motif.

       In the historical record, the phoenix "could symbolize renewal in general as well as the sun, time, the Empire, metempsychosis, consecration, resurrection, life in the heavenly Paradise, Christ, Mary, virginity, the exceptional man, and certain aspects of Christian life".

Scriptural References for the Phoenix Rising Chrismon:

• "He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day?" Luke 24:6-7 (HCSB)
• "When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief. Matthew 17:22-23 (NIV)
• "Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence." Hosea 6:1-2 (NLT)
• “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Daniel 12:1-2 (ESV)

The phoenix resurrection symbol
depicts the bird emerging from
it's nest of flames.

Three Pelican Chrismon Symbols...

       In medieval Europe, the pelican was thought to be particularly attentive to her young, to the point of providing her own blood by wounding her own breast when no other food was available. As a result, the pelican became a symbol of the Passion of Jesus and of the Eucharist since about the 12th century.

Scripture References for the Pelican Chrismon Symbols:

• "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock." John 10:11 (NLT)
• "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood." Hebrews 9:15-18 (NIV)
• "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew 26:28 (BSB)
• "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)

Pelican-in-Her-Piety