Christmas Symbols

Red (Ornament): Red is the first color of Christmas. It reminds us of the blood that was shed for us by our Savior Jesus Christ. Christ gave his life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, and vivid. It is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God.

Tree (Green): Green is the second color of Christmas. Green is the youthful abundant color of nature. The pure green color of the Christmas tree remains green all year round which represents the everlasting hope of mankind. The great green tree is known to be man’s best friend having provided shelter, warmth and beauty. And lastly, all the needles on the tree point heavenward so as we look at the Christmas tree our thoughts are turned toward heaven.

Star: Heavenly Father used a star to announce the birth of His Son, our Savior. A new star was visible in both the Eastern and the Western Hemispheres. It led the Wise Men to the child in Bethlehem. Even wicked King Herod recognized the sign; he feared it because he was wicked. The Wise Men rejoiced because of the birth of the Christ, who is the Light and Life of the World.

Candle: We remember at Christmastime not only the light (or star) that announced the birth of Christ into the world but also the light that comes from Him. The candle symbolizes the light of Christ. Many witnesses have confirmed that light. One such witness that we all know of is Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith testified that he saw a marvelous light in a grove of trees in Palmyra, New York, at the beginning of the Restoration: "Just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" (Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)

Bell: Just as lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring for man to return to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return. They signify that all people are precious in the eyes of the Lord.

Candy Cane: Represents the shepherd’s crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keepers.

Wreath: Symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases stops or ends. It is the one continuous round of affection. The wreath symbolizes God’s undying love for us. It has no beginning and no end. "What all of us long for in our hearts, at Christmastime and always, is to feel bound together in love with the sweet assurance that it can last forever. That is made possible by the gifts to us of HIs Beloved Son: the Savior's birth, Atonement, and Ressurection. It is through the Saviour's life and mission that we have the assurance that we can be together in love and live forever in families." (Ensign, Dec. 09, Elder Eyring Home for Christmas)

Ribbon and Gift: A bow is placed on a present to remind of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow. Gifts are an act of love symbolizing the act of love that God made when sending us Jesus. Gifts are to remind us that Jesus Christ was a gift to us from God. Christ’s birth, Atonement, and Resurrection is God’s greatest gift to us His children.