Christmas is the time when children eagerly wait for gifts. Millions of children worldwide write letters every year to the jolly old elf residing in some remote corner of North Pole. For parents, this is the time to express their love through lovely presents wrapped in attractive packs. Children join parents in the celebration, decorating the Christmas trees with shiny stars and silver bells. Children of devout Christian family accompany their parents to the church. Moms prepare a delicious Christmas lunch. Adults and children are invited to Christmas parties organized by friends and relatives. There is fun and festivity in the air.
But, as parents, do you think you have conveyed the right message of Christmas to your children. Most children in today’s world are growing up with the belief that Christmas is all about receiving gifts. They have learnt to associate Christmas with fun and frolic. The fault is not theirs, but we should teach our children about the true meaning of Christmas. This Christmas you can give your children their best Christmas gifts by teaching them the meanings of the symbols and customs of this great day.
1. Christmas tree
Christmas tree, the quintessential part of Christmas celebration, is an evergreen tree. After red, green is the most important color of Christmas. It conveys the “evergreen” Christian message of hope in the eternal life in Christ. The upward pointing spines urge us to direct our thoughts heavenwards.
2. Shiny star
The shiny star is a symbol of the star that guided the Magi to the stable where baby Jesus was born. It is the sign of God’s promise. Tell your children that the shiny stars hanging on the Christmas tree are not merely for embellishment, but they symbolize God’s promise of sending a savior to save his children from the worldly evils. Convey your children this message of Christmas that every wise men will follow the star to discover the savior of mankind. Belief in Him will guide you even through the “darkest nights”.
3. Silver bell
The sound of the bell guides a lost sheep to the shepherd. The silver bell on the Christmas tree is a symbol of the shepherd bell. Jesus is the shepherd who sacrificed his life so that his sheep could live. Tell your children that when they are confused in life, they should listen to the sound of the “silver bell” that still rings today in the form of their inner conscious.
4. Red, the primary color of Christmas
Red is the predominant color of Christmas. It is also the color of blood. It represents life. Teach your children that Christ bled to ensure a good life for his children. Even today, Christ bleeds each time his children suffer. Every time your child sees this color, he/she should appreciate the greatest gift of God.
5. Candle
By lighting a candle, you express your gratitude to God. The light of the candle should also kindle your inner spirit. The light should shine forever, so that every person could glorify Christ and follow his teachings of love and peace. The shining light would dispel ignorance and reveal the truth.
6. Candy cane
The candy cane colored in red and white stripes is not only a sugary treat, but also a symbol of the shepherd’s cane. Just as a shepherd who uses his crook to rescue his sheep that had fallen in a ditch, Jesus with his message of love brings back his children who have gone astray from the fold. The small red stripes on the candy cane represent the sufferings of Jesus and the large red stripe is the sign of bloodshed by the Good Shepherd. The white stripes symbolize the sinless nature of Christ.
7. Wreath with red bow
The wreath symbolizes all the good things that Christmas stands for. The bow reminds us of the love that binds us together. The red color once again reminds us of the sacrifices of Christ. The green color of the wreath reminds us of his evergreen messages of love and compassion. Even the shape of the wreath is a sign of the endless love of God. Just like a circle without a beginning and ending, the love of God enriches his children throughout their lives.
8. Santa Claus
Last but not the least, do not forget to teach your children the true meaning of Santa Claus. The old elf symbolizes family spirit. He represents the pleasure and happiness in giving and receiving.
