The Significance of Christmas Ornaments: A Connection to Creation
The Origin of Christmas Ornaments
Have you ever wondered where the tradition of decorating Christmas trees with ornaments came from? Decorating Christmas trees pre lit with ornaments dates back to the 16th century in Germany. At first, people would hang apples, nuts, and other edible treats on their trees. It was in the 1800s that Christmas ornaments made of glass, metal, and other materials gained popularity.
Christmas ornaments come in all shapes and sizes today, from classic glass balls to personalized family photo ornaments. But Christmas ornaments can also have significant symbolic meaning beyond their decorative purpose.
The Connection to Creation
One way to think about Christmas ornaments is to connect them to the creation story in the Bible. For example, ornaments shaped like stars or angels can remind us of the angels who appeared in the sky to announce the birth of Jesus.
Another example is the ornament shaped like a dove, which can symbolize the Holy Spirit who descended upon Jesus at his baptism. The shell ornament can represent the waters of creation, and a fruit ornament, like an apple, can connect us to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
God created Adam and Eve in the creation story and placed them in the Garden of Eden. He gave them specific instructions about what they could and could not do, including not eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate from the forbidden tree.
Today, many Christmas ornaments can help remind us of this story and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. An ornament shaped like an apple can remind us of the fruit that Adam and Eve ate, and a snake ornament can represent the serpent who tempted them to disobey God.
Conclusion:
While Christmas ornaments may seem simple, they can have a deeper symbolic meaning that connects us to the Bible and the creation story. We can create a more meaningful and purposeful holiday season by using these ornaments to remind us of critical biblical stories and lessons. So, as you hang your ornaments on your tree this year, take a moment to reflect on their symbolism and the significance they hold.