Crosses from The Christian Celts

       Celtic Christianity or Insular Christianity refers broadly to certain features of Christianity that were common, or held to be common, across the Celtic-speaking world during the Early Middle Ages. "Celtic Christianity" has been conceived of with differing levels of specificity: some writers have described a distinct "Celtic Church" uniting the Celtic peoples and distinguishing them from the "Roman" Catholic Church, while others classify it as simply a set of distinctive practices occurring in those areas. Scholars now reject the former notion, but note that there were certain traditions and practices used in both the Irish and British churches but not in the wider Christian world. These include a distinctive system for determining the dating of Easter, a style of monastic tonsure, a unique system of penance, and the popularity of going into "exile for Christ". Additionally, there were other practices that developed in certain parts of Britain or Ireland, but which are not known to have spread beyond a particular region. The term therefore denotes regional practices among the insular churches and their associates, rather than actual theological differences. Read more...

Scripture References for Celtic Cross Chrismons:

• "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:17 (NIV)
• "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." Deuteronomy 33:27 (NLT)
• "Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
   God said to Moses, “ I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘ I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14 (ESV)
• "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

Celtic sing, "The Call"

The Gospel has a call as well.

Answer The Call of The Gospel:

•  Has God Called You? The Calling of the Christian Minister
• The Doctrine of God's Effectual Call
• Charity and the Call of the Gospel
• The Two Natures of the Divine Call
• What is The Gospel?
• Answering the Call of God

Jesse Tree Ornament - The Altar

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD by God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." 1 Kings 18:21 (KJB)

Patterns for the altar symbol used to represent Elijah on the Jesse tree.

painting suggestion for the altar

"And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose you one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked.And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. And it came to pass, when midday was past, and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:  And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD: and he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. And he put the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said, Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice, and on the wood. And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time. And the water ran round about the altar; and he filled the trench also with water.  And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.  Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.  And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God." 1 Kings 18:25 - 39 (KJB)

Above is a painted baker's clay version of the altar symbol
representing the story of Elijah and The Prophets of Baal.

God Incinerates The Altar by Superbook.

Watch the Superbook for children!

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Jesse Tree Ornament - The Colorful Coat

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Genesis 50:20 (KJB)

and

"Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him." Genesis 37: 3-4 (KJB)

Above are two patterns for you to print and cut around when crafting the colorful coat symbol.

Joseph's father Jacob (also called Israel) favored him
 and gave Joseph the coat as a gift; as a result, he was
 envied by his brothers, who saw the special coat as
an indication that Joseph would assume family
 leadership.

       Joseph's half-brothers were jealous of him; (Genesis 37:18-20) wherefore, in Dothan, most of them plotted to kill him, with the exception of Reuben, who suggested to have Joseph thrown into an empty cistern, intending to rescue Joseph himself. Unaware of this secondary intention, the others obeyed his first. Upon imprisoning Joseph, the brothers saw a camel caravan carrying spices and perfumes to Egypt, and sold Joseph to these merchants. Thereafter the guilty brothers painted goat's blood on Joseph's coat and showed it to Jacob, who therefore believed Joseph dead. (Genesis 37:12-35)
       Joseph suffered through slavery and imprisonment before God raised him up to a high position in Pharoah's court.
       He eventually saved both his immediate family and all of Israel from a deadly famine by moving them to Egypt before his father passed away.

"And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Genesis 50: 15-20 (KJB)

Joseph's colorful coat made from baker's clay and acrylic paints.

 Lee Mead as Joseph

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The Gospel of John Clip Art Index

About: The genuineness of St. John's gospel has always been unanimously admitted by the Christian church. It is universally agreed that St. John published his gospel in Asia; and that, when he wrote it, he had seen the other three gospels. It is, therefore, not only valuable in itself, but also a tacit confirmation of the other three; with none of which it disagrees in any material point.

Sample clip art from The Gospel of John Index.

All graphics/illustrations/clip art on this web journal are free to download and use for personal art projects, church related hard copy or webpages. Images are not to be redistributed in any other collections of clip art online. Please include a link back to this web journal if you use the materials for web articles. Link back to http://christianclipartreview.blogspot.com

Sometimes multiple scripture using the same image are uploaded onto the same page. Keep looking on the post and you will find that there is a scripture from the Book of The Bible it is listed under here.

1.  Fidelity of His Cross or Throne - John 15:5
2. "Scripture Might Be Fulfilled" - John 19:36
3. All Tied Up! - John 8:34
4. "Let not your heart be troubled..." - John 14:1
5. Searching for Answers? - John 6:44 and John 9:39
6. The living bread - John 6:51
7. The Lady of The Lamp - light filled words
8. The Precious Lamb of God - John 1:29
9. In His Resurrection There is Hope! - John 16:33
10. A Purple Crown of Thorns - John 19:2
11. The Black Sacred Heart Paired with Sacred Scripture - John 2:19 and John 6:29
12. A New Palm Sunday Set - John 12:26 and John 12:12-15
13. Hands Sign, "Mercy Seat" - John 15:5
14. John 19:36 - decorative words
15. Your Word is TRUTH - John 17:17
16. Scriptures About Salvation: Fall Motifs - John 14:16 and John 3:16-17
17. Salvation Verses Paired With Fall Wreaths - John 1:12
18. Remember The Faithful in South Africa - John 3:3
19. Blue and Green Illuminated "N" - John 1:18
20. John 3:16 and 17 with illuminated letters
21. John 10:11 - church window
22. Illuminated scriptures about prayer - John 6:35
23. The staff of Moses - John 3:14
24. Illuminated quotes by Jesus about knowledge - John 6:45, John 15:15 and John 17:3
25. John baptizes Jesus
26. John 19:2,3 - Christ crucified and cross
27. "Now Fish For Men" painting - John 21:6
28. Tailpieces in floral motifs - John 14:27
29. The I AM statements of Jesus from The New Testament - John 19: 21, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1, 6:51, 10: 9, 10:11, 8:12
30. Illustrated and illuminated scripture for Lent - John 17:17
31. John 15:16 - Jesus quotes
32. John 14:2,3 - tiny birds
33. John 14:9 - pool reflections of Christ
34. "I Thirst!" - John 19:28
35. A Lighted Lamp - John 1:5
36. "Now fish for men" (black and white clip art version) - John 21
37. John 14:20 - communion wine and bread
38. The Word Became Human - John 1:14 (the adult version)
39. John 10:10 - the thief
40. Branches of The Vine - John 15:5
41. Loaves and Fish - John 6
42. "Love One Another" - John 13:34
43. John 15:13 - two hearts design
44. "I have overcome the world" John 16:33
45. The Word Made Flesh - John 1:14 (infant version)
46. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 - John 1:5
47. Ephesians 6: 14-15 - John 19:30
48. Bathe in The Pool Siloam - John 9:7
49.  Light of The World - John 8:12
50. The illuminating lamp light... - John 1:5 
51. I have given you an example..." John 13:14
52. Wedding at Cana... - John 2:1-11, John 2:3-5, and John 2:6-7
53. The Raising of Lazarus - John 11:43-44 
54. Lighthouse and John 8:12 
55. Wisdom for those who are foolish... -  John 3:16 and John 5:43
56. Who the Son sets free... - John 8:36
57. Jesus doesn't answer to men... - John 19:10
58. A shepherd with a staff... - John 10:1, 2
59. Jesus Meets With Nicodemus - John 3:1-21 
60. Wedding feast at Cana - John 2:1-12
61. The Grave Is Empty!  - John 20: 1-18
    

Questions and Answers About the Gospel of John:

1. The meaning behind "The mother whose hour is come..."
2. How did Jesus respond to the parents of a blind son?
3. Are any by nature "Children of God?" 
4. Woman at The Well or Woman of Samaria "God Is A Spirit"
   

Video by The Bible Project.

Page last updated on April 12th, 2024.

Jesse Tree Ornament - The Stump or The Root

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" Isaiah 11:1-2

Patterns/templates for the Root of Jesse stump symbol.

Color suggestion for painting the stump symbol.

       Genealogy, signifies the line of descent, or a list of a person's ancestors. The common Hebrew expression for it is Sepher-Toledoth, "the Book of Generations." No nation was ever more careful to preserve their genealogies then the Jews. The sacred writings contain genealogies extended three thousand five hundred years backward. The genealogy of our Savior is deduced by the evangelists from Adam to Joseph and Mary, through a space of four thousand years and upwards. Matthew gives the line of descent through Joseph, his reputed or legal father, and Luke through Mary, his mother. In reading these genealogies we should remember that the Messiah was restricted by divine appointment:

   1. To the posterity of Abraham. 

   2. To the family of David. 

   3. To the existence of the line, the elder branch of the royal family, in short the very person who, had the dominion continued in the family of David, would have legally sat on the throne. 

• "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." Genesis 49:10 (KJB)  Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
  
• "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. 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 2:25-36 (KJB) Peter Preaches to The Crowd from the Berean Study Bible.

       The Jewish priests were obliged to produce an exact genealogy of their families, before they were admitted to exercise their function. Wherever placed, the Jews were particularly careful not to marry below themselves; and to prevent this, the originals of which were lodged at Jerusalem, to be occasionally consulted. These authentic monuments, during all their wars and persecutions, were taken great care of, and from time to time renewed. But, since the last destruction of their city, and the dispersion of the people, their ancient genealogies are lost. But to this the Jews reply, that either Elias, or some other inspired priest or prophet, shall come and restore their genealogical tables before Messiah's appearance; a tradition, which they ground on a passage in Nehemiah 7:64,65. --Calmet; Watson

Left, cut pieces of baker's clay ornament. Center, use a pencil to draw directly onto the dried clay pieces if you need to. Right, the finished project.

Baker's clay version of the Jesse Tree Stump ornament.

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Ancient Laurel Crown Symbolism

God The Father presents the victory laurel crown to Christ,
the Holy Spirit symbol is in the center of it.

The Divine Hand presenting a Crown to The Infant Jesus.
This crown is the form of an ancient Roman symbol.

Scripture References for Laurel Chrismons:

• "For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)
• "For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.
  " 1 John 5:4 (NLT)
• “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (ESV)

The Chi Rho (/ˈkaɪ ˈroʊ/; also known as chrismon) is one of the earliest forms
 of christogram, formed by superimposing the first two (capital)
letters—chi and rho (ΧΡ)—of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Christos)
 in such a way that the vertical stroke of the rho intersects the center of the chi.

 

A laurel crown refers to victory. It is an
ancient crown symbol, not as popular as
the medieval Christian crown symbols
depicted in Chrismon trees, but a crown
often attributed to Christ by ancient
 believers in Rome.

         A laurel wreath is a circular wreath made of interlocking branches and leaves of the bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), an aromatic broadleaf evergreen, or later from spineless butcher's broom (Ruscus hypoglossum) or cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). In Greek mythology, Apollo is represented wearing a laurel wreath on his head. In ancient Greece wreaths were awarded to victors, both in athletic competitions, including the ancient Olympics made of wild olive-tree known as "kotinos" (κότινος), (sc. at Olympia) and in poetic meets; in Rome they were symbols of martial victory, crowning a successful commander during his triumph. Whereas ancient laurel wreaths are most often depicted as a horseshoe shape, modern versions are usually complete rings. Read more...

• Read about the diadem in ancient cultures
• Wreath it's use and meaning in ancient visual culture

 

The Children's Jesse Tree Index

Above are a few sample ornaments from my collection below.

       The practice of crafting a Jesse tree for the purpose of sharing the family of Christ with young children began in the Medieval Era. Many stained glass windows and illuminated texts still survive with detailed illustrated Jesse trees depicted in them. 

• The Jesse Tree a depiction in art of the ancestors of Christ
• Looking for the Chrismon ornament index? 

       Jesse trees are taken from two biblical records of Jesus's genealogy. Although those Jesse trees used in classrooms and homes to teach young children are shortened versions of the biblical records. The first is from Joseph's side of the family in The Gospel of Matthew. The second, from Mary's family genealogy (Calmet;Watson) in The Gospel of Luke. Both of Jesus's Earthly parents were from the house of David and they share 34 common forefathers out of 75 generations. (Allen, below)

• The common ancestry of Mary and Joseph from The Royal Seed by Allen 
• And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary... Benson Commentary
• The Genealogy of the Messiah by Fruchtenbaum
• Joseph's Relationship to Mary 
• Messianic Generations of Joseph and Mary
• Why the disciple took Jesus' mother unto his own home? 
• Christ's Genealogy According to The Gospels 

Jesse Tree from a Folio, 1529.

       I have included below a template for how traditional Jesse trees are taught, practiced, and developed. Hopefully this model will help people to understand why Jesse trees look a bit different from church to church and publisher to publisher. 

       Among Orthodox Christians, there is a day of introduction, two weeks of telling stories about David's ancestral lineage which is the same as Christ's, a third week is spent telling the story of the Nativity and the last week, is devoted to the "O" Antiphons, Dec. 17 - 23. 

       Many Protestant denominations stretch out the telling of Old Testament stories for three weeks and simply end the last week of December with the Nativity story.

       If you should develop a calendar that covers only one person or story a day, you will soon discover that many characters get eliminated. If your church follows the Orthodox Liturgy, you will begin to see that their Jesse trees sometimes reflect a rotation of Old Testament ancestors and stories that compliments a three year liturgical calendar.

       Modern Jesse trees often include women from the family of Christ. This is not a new idea; The Gospel of Matthew includes women in Jesus' family tree from the very start. Some scholars have noted that these four: Tamar, Rehab, Ruth and Bathsheba are introduced to readers in Matthew's gospel because they were Gentiles. 

      Sarah, Rebekah and Leah were also ancestors of Jesus yet they are seldom seen on modern Jesse trees for some strange reason. Some folks have begun to practice the inclusion of couples in their daily readings around their Jesse tree. As long as the practice is in keeping with basic doctrine, you may construct your own Jesse tree using as many symbols and characters from the ancestors of Jesus as you like.
       The symbols associated with the characters generally have scriptural references and are often included in artworks about those persons depicted in: illuminated manuscripts, paintings, stained glass windows, sculptures, reliefs etc... throughout all of Christendom.
       In the near future, I intend to include links to those Jesse tree symbols and patterns from my blogs for personal or non-profit use through the listing below. Each of these posts will also list the scriptures used to teach each symbol and photos of completed ornaments.

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" Isaiah 11:1-2

Day of Introduction: The Sunday Prior to December 1rst:

• The Root of Jesse: tree stump

The Old Testament Characters Wait for Jesus: First 2 Weeks of December: If you are following a calendar, you will need to pick and choose stories to include or exclude. The characters below are typically included on many trees of Jesse at this present time. Not all of the ancestors of Jesus are included in this listing. More names and symbols will be added over time. Many characters have optional symbols associated with their lives.

1. God The Creator: planets, stars, creation elements, Earth, garden, animals, sun
2. Adam The First Man/Men: spade, tree, apple with snake, man, apple
3. Eve The Mother of All Humanity: tree, apple, apple with snake, woman
4. Seth Remembered God: mirror 
5. Noah Who Obeyed God: ark, animals, dove, rainbow
6. Shem Son of Noah: grapes for wine
7. Abraham Our Spiritual Father: torch, sword, mountain, sacrificial ram,  empty sandals
8. Sarah Mother to A Nation: angel visitors (*suggested)
9. Isaac Accepted The Sovereignty of God: bundle of wood, altar, ram in bush, ram
10. Rebekah a Woman With Godly Character: camel, fighting twins (*suggested)
11. Jacob Father of 12 Tribes: kettle, ladder, staircase 
12. Rachel The Favored Wife: surrounded by children (*suggested)
13. Joseph Protector of Israel: bucket, well, silver coins, tunic or colorful coat
14. Moses Saved His People from Slavery: baby in basket, river and rushes, burning bush, sandals
15. Israelites The People of God: sheep
16. Joshua "Jesus son of Naue": ram's horn trumpet, walls of Jericho (no wife listed)
17. Rahab The Brave: red rope
18. Gideon a Great Warrior: clay water pitcher, fleece
19. Samuel Dedicated to The Temple: lamp, temple
20. Ruth Faithful and Devoted: wheat, basket, wedding rings
21. Boaz The Kinsman Redeemer: shoe (*suggested)
22. Obed The Father of Jesse: seed (*suggested)
23. Jesse Son of Obed and Father of King David: crimson robe, shepherd's staff
24. David Son of Jesse and Anointed King of Israel: slingshot, 6-pointed star  - star of David, David's crown
25. Solomon Wise Among Men: scales of justice, temple, two babies and sword
26. Elijah Who Will Return: stone altar, fiery chariot
27. Hezekiah Held Fast to The Lord: empty tent
28. Esther Rescued Her People: scepter
29. Isaiah Preached The Coming of Messiah: fire tongs with hot coal, an "I" scroll, saw (martydom by being sawed in two)
30. Jeremiah The Weeping Prophet: tears of the prophet, a "J" scroll, stones (martyrdom by stoning)
31. Ezekiel Had Millennial Temple Visions: an "E" scroll and turreted gateway
32. Habakkuk Waited On The Lord: stone watchtower
33. Nehemiah Rebuilt God's Defenses: city wall
34. Jonah Special Delivery by God: whale, fish , cotton batting version of whale and prophet

The Nativity Story Week: The Third Week in December: The third week's ornaments represent both the family of Jesus, the story of his birth and those who are related to Christ spiritually, i.e. the descendants of Abraham.

1. Joseph Protector of The Messiah: hammer, saw, chisel, angle, carpenter's tools or the tools of a stone mason, L square
2. Mary The Virgin Mother: lily, crown of stars, pierced heart, white lily, simple heart
3. Bethlehem the City Where Jesus Was Born: city or village buildings
4. Elizabeth Mother of The Baptist: holding infant St. John, pregnant elderly woman, a mother and child 
5. Zechariah The Lord Has Remembered: temple building, holding a stone with eye on each of its faces, pencil and tablet
6. John the Baptist and The Voice Crying Out in The Desert: shell, shell with water, river 
7. Magi Represent Gentile Kings/Nations: gold, frankincense, myrrh, gold star
8. Shepherds The Keepers of God's Flock: sheep, shepherd's staff
9. Baby Jesus God's Gift of Mercy: manger, swaddled babe, natal star
10. Angels Messengers From God: angels

The Jesus Is Week: The Fourth Week in December: The symbolic ornaments crafted for the fourth week of December are typically made from Chrismon patterns.

1. Jesus is Wisdom: oil lamp, open book
2. Jesus is Lord: burning bush, stone tablets
3. Jesus is the Flower of Jesse: flower, plant with flower
4. Jesus is Key of David: key, broken chains
5. Jesus is the Radiant Dawn: sun rising or high in sky
6. Jesus is King of Gentiles: crown, scepter
7. Jesus is Emmanuel: tablets of stone, chalice and host
8. Jesus is Light of the World: candle, flame, sun, Epiphany star or natal star

 (*suggested) - No visual emblem or symbol found or visual emblems not identified in historical art works, only literary symbols 

Many of  The Sample Ornaments are Made From Baker's Clay       

       I will be making a set of Jesse ornaments from baker's clay to illustrate the collection above. The recipe I am using includes: 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt and 1 1/2 cups of hot water. Dissolve most of the salt in boiling water or as much as you can, before adding in the flour. Knead the dough thoroughly before rolling it out and cutting around the patterns provided for each symbol above. The ornaments should be approximately 1/4 inch thick. Dry the ornaments out in a low temp. in your oven. (This takes two to three hours.) If the oven gets too hot the clay will puff up.

       Once the ornaments have dried completely, spray these with a clear matte finish. Then the surface will be ready for painting. I will use acrylic, water based paints to decorate my Jesse tree ornaments, and afterwards spray the finished ornaments with another layer of clear matte finish.

       Don't forget to either prick a small hole into the clay or add a small hook into the side of the ornament in order to hang your ornament!

Mixing the essential baker's clay by curiosity show.

• Jesse Tree Ornaments from ReFrame Media
• Jesse Tree Ornaments from Fairhope United Methodist
• Jesse Tree & Symbols
  

Angels by Benozzo Gozzoli

 

Description of Illustration: Group of Angels by Benozzo Gozzoli, Chapel of the Riccardi Palace, Florence, below a detail from his "Paradise" painting at the Riccardi Palace, greyscale photographs

 

 

       Benozzo Gozzoli (c. 1421 – 1497) was an Italian Renaissance painter from Florence. He is best known for a series of murals in the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi depicting festive, vibrant processions with fine attention to detail and a pronounced International Gothic influence. He is considered one of the most prolific fresco painters of his generation. While he was mainly active in Tuscany, he also worked in Umbria and Rome. Read more...
 

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

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.

The Everlasting Gospel Window

Description of Illustration: An angel kneels before the throne of God. In his hands is the Bible with God the Father's Monogram on it - Alpha Omega. wings, flames, stairs, radiant halos, stained glass clip art, transparent background

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

The Creator of Souls Chrismon

        Little Naked Bodies are the symbols of the souls of men, and are seen in pictures of St. Michael and when he is represented as the Introductor of souls. They are also placed in the hand which symbolizes God the Father.

       Before the twelfth century there were no portraits of God the Father, and the symbol used to indicate his presence was a hand issuing from the clouds.

Scripture References for the Creator of Souls Chrismon:

• "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Ecclesiastes 12:7 (KJB)
• "Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?" Hebrews 12:9 (NLT)
• "The burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him,..." Zechariah 12:1 (NASB)
• "This is what the true God, the LORD, says--the one who created the sky and stretched it out, the one who fashioned the earth and everything that lives on it, the one who gives breath to the people on it, and life to those who live on it..." Isaiah 42:5 (NET Bible)

Souls of The
Righteous Symbol

The Divine Three in One

       Representations of the Divine Three in One were employed in art from its earliest ages. It was symbolized by the combination of three triangles, three circles, three fishes, and many other representations more obscure in their meanings. In later art the three persons of the Trinity have been represented by three human figures, each with its special attribute, that of the Holy Ghost being the dove. Another mode represents the Father and Son with the dove between them ; in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the dove was often seen hovering between the first and second persons of the Trinity, with the tips of the wings touching the lips of each. This representation is called the double procession of the Spirit; illustrative of the words of the Nicene Creed, "proceeding from the Father and the Son." This representation belongs to the Latin Church. In these representations, when the locality is heaven, the figures are always seated. There is a device called the Italian Trinity, which was popular from the twelfth to the seventeenth century. In this the Father holds a crucifix by the ends of the transverse beam, the figure of Christ hanging between his knees ; the dove proceeds downwards from the lips of the Father, and touches the head of the Son, or is merely sitting on the cross.

• Trinity scriptures here and here for teaching children while making Chrismons
• The Trinity Symbols by E. Goldsmith
• See also Holy Trinity Clip Art (Christian Symbolism)

Seraphim in The Throne Room...

Thrones. Fiery Two Winged Wheels.

       The following is the most complete illustration that we are acquainted with of the winged and fiery wheels spoken of by the prophet Ezekiel, "full of eyes round about." It (above) comes from a little church at Athens, now probably destroyed, but which, at the date of it's recording as a drawing 1839. (from a mural)

In biblical tradition seraphim and cherubim are interchangable.
Both refer to the pure and holy angels surrounding God's throne.
However, in western culture cherubim are given symbolic "infant"
 bodies because we associate purity with the innocence of babies.

        "In a representation on the imperial dalmatic now preserved in the treasury of St. Peter at Rome, the feet of Jesus Christ rest on two wheels which exactly resemble the above. This magnificent vestment is of Byzantine origin, and indeed throughout all the ancient empire of Byzantium, angels are found of this wheel form, intended to bear the figure of God the Father or of Jesus Christ. 

       These wheels, specially assigned to the order of Thrones by the Byzantines, but attributed by Ezekiel to all angels in general are various forms. At Chartres, they have neither flames, nor wings, nor eyes; they rather affect the more material form of a chariot wheel." Didron

Sculptured Angel, Chartres, XIII. Cent.

      "The Latins, more rational than the Easterns, have preferred representing angels under human form. As regards the ideal, Latin nations are divisible into two classes: ultramontane or Italian, and western. Italians, nearest to that Greece who planted her foot among them at Venice, at Ravenna, and throughout all Sicily." Didron

Scripture Resources for Winged Wheels Chrismon:

• "Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel." Ezekiel 1:15-16 (KJB)
• "The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle." Revelation 4:7-8 (NIV)
• "Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew." Isaiah 6: 2-3 (NLT)

The illuminating lamp light...

"This is why it is said: "Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead, and
Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:14 (NIV)

Description of the illustration: black and white, table lamp, light on, four scriptures, illuminated scriptures

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
 James 1:17 (NIV)

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
 John 1:5 (NIV)

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

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Lion and Palm Leaves Chrismon

        Lions during the Middle Ages were sometimes used to symbolically represent Jesus' Resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king. Although science has proven this idea, lion's sleeping with eyes open, to be a myth, the tradition of associating lions with Christ prevails for a wide variety of reasons that continue to prevail. 

        I've combined this stained glass lion from Heraldry and palms leaves to represent Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem one week prior his crucifixion.

Scriptural References for This Lion and Palm Leaf Chrismon Combination:

• "Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.  Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD." Psalm 118:25,26 (KJB)
• "And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9 (ESV)
  

Chalice Pattern No.1 for Chrismons

drawing of a chalice

        A chalice (from Latin calix, mug, borrowed from Greek kalyx, shell, husk) is a goblet or footed cup intended to hold a drink. In religious practice, a chalice is often used for drinking during a ceremony or may carry a certain symbolic meaning. 

       The ancient Roman calix was a drinking vessel consisting of a bowl fixed atop a stand, and was in common use at banquets. In Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Lutheranism and some other Christian denominations, a chalice is a standing cup used to hold sacramental wine during the Eucharist (also called the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion). Chalices are often made of precious metal, and they are sometimes richly enameled and jeweled. The gold goblet was symbolic for family and tradition. Read more...

simple chalice shape

• Scripture References for Holy Communion