Decorating the Christmas Tree

 A Christmas tree in a Christian home can be a tree that tells a story...

First, the tree itself should be evergreen, a pine or a spruce, to remind us that life is everlasting.

Second, every tree should have a star upon it. It was a star that guided the three Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem.

Third, every tree should have upon it a boat. The ship has been a symbol of The Church for centuries. The Church, like a boat, sets sail across the waters of life, sometimes rough and sometimes smooth.

Fourth, our Christmas tree should have upon it a bird. The bird is a reminder of the Holy Spirit.

Fifth, a fish should hang on the Christmas tree. The fish is a symbol of Jesus, since he told his disciples: "follow me and I will make you fishers of men." In the early church, Christians placed the fish symbol on their homes as a sign to traveling Christians that there were members of their own faith living there.

Sixth, every tree should have an angel. The song of the angels awakened the shepherds in the field to announce the birth of Jesus Christ.

Seventh, every tree should have various colored spheres upon it, to signify the diversity of the world in which we live.

Eighth, a tree should have a paper chain or garland wrapped around it because we are all bound together under nations and people by the love of God. Finally, there should be many lights on the tree to tell us that the light of God is reflected by people throughout the world.

Here are some other decorations to add to your Christmas Tree...

1. Heart- love in the home
2. House - family shelter
3. Flower basket - beauty in the home
4. Basket of fruit - plenty
5. Teapot - hospitality
6. Bird in a nest - confidence in the shelter
7. Pinecone - eternity
8. Animal - peace with nature
9. Fish - Christ
10. Rose - Virgin Mary
11. Church or angel - God
12. Saint Nicholas - giving and sharing

ICC Religious Education
Immaculate Conception Parish
75 Church Street
Franklin
New Jersey, 07416

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