December 24 –Chi Rho “’Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are

the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” Matthew 16:15-16

The Chi-Rho chrismon takes the first two (capital)

letters chi and rho (ΧΡ) of the Greek word for Messiah or Christ - "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ." Although not technically a cross, the Chi Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus as well as symbolizing his status as the promised Anointed One of God.

By happenstance, the Chi-Rho symbol was also used by pagan scribes to mark valuable passages in scrolls. The combined letters Chi and Rho coming from the Greek word for "good." Isn’t that appropriate? This symbol is not only a sign of the Christ, but that which is good and valuable as well. On Christmas we celebrate the Christ, born in human flesh so we might be reconciled to God. As we remember his birth and life we also look towards his death and ultimately his resurrection. The promise is that all of this was done for our sake, our good. As you say “Merry Christmas” to someone tonight or tomorrow morning, remember the good that has been wrought in your life through the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Christ, the Son of God. Give thanks to God for all the good he’s given you and truly enjoy a merry Christmas!

Chrismons proclaiming the

name, the life & the saving acts of Jesus

© Memorial Lutheran Church Katy Advent 2011

Contributors include: April Bishop, Elizabeth Chitwood, Ken Chitwood, Rev. John Davis Jr., Linda Elmore,

Nathan Engman, Jason Toenges & Dave Wendeborn

Introduction An evergreen tree, which symbolizes the eternal life our Savior has won for us, forms the backdrop for tiny white lights and gold Chrismon designs in our church each Advent and Christmas. The Christmas lights twinkle in honor of Him who is the light of the world, and the Chrismon ornaments proclaim the name, the life, and the saving acts of Jesus the Christ in symbol.

This devotion is meant to help you meditate on the character of God, the reality of the incarnation and the truth that we, being Baptized in the Christian faith, are Chrismons ourselves. For the next four weeks the Chrismon symbols will help us reflect on the coming of Christ to earth both at Christmas and in the time to come, and realize how we can proclaim the name, the life and saving acts of Jesus in our own thoughts, words and deeds.

Each devotion will include a symbol, a verse, a devotional thought and a soul training exercise. We suggest you take five minutes a day to read, reflect and respond. We pray you have a blessed Advent and that this season is a time of waiting on, watching for and imitating our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

December 23 – White Rose

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the

rose.” Isaiah 35:1

Botanical gardens are an absolute delight. With so

many colors and fragrances a visitor hardly knows where to begin enjoying the sights and smells. In all the colors the white rose must not be neglected for its lack of pigment, for it often can bear the most robust of fragrances. Often viewed as a sign of purity the white rose symbolizes light, new life and the Nativity, wherein the Christ child lay in all his sinless purity. It was this sinless state that allowed for him to bloom in our world as one worthy of dispelling the darkness and filling the world with his righteousness.

The words of the hymn “Lo, How a Rose is Ever

Blooming” capture the beauty and splendor of the White Rose, the Christ child in the manger, “This Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,� Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere;�True Man, yet very God, from sin and death He saves us,�And lightens every load.” Find this hymn online or in your hymnal, sing the words and contemplate our Savior, the rose whose fragrance fills the air and mightily dispels the darkness.

December 22 – Trefoil

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with

you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

The never-ending connection of the Trefoil knot traces the never-ending love that our Father in Heaven has for us. The interlocking of the three circles is the interlocking of God with us. The strength of three separate circles connected as one is a reminder of the strength we have in our God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Consider the words of John 14: 16-17. Know that the three persons of the Trefoil Trinity are forever interlocked with us, dwelling in us, and ever with us.

November 27 – The Crown “In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory,

and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people…” Isaiah 28:5

When we think of Jesus, there are many names

and descriptions that come to mind: Son of God, Son of Man, Savior, Lord, Redeemer. But there is one description, one title that Christ is worthy of that often escapes our thoughts: Jesus is King! He is King of kings and His Kingdom is an everlasting kingdom! The child who was born in a manger was the King of the Universe. The man who was crowned with thorns at his crucifixion was crowned with glory in his resurrection. And while we find comfort in the love of our Savior, we can find power in the triumph of our King. One day, our King will return and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess his reign. Until that day, we the remnant of his people (the Church) have the privilege of being the King’s representatives—making Him known and extending His kingdom wherever we go.

Talk with your family about who the “kings” are in

our society. Then discuss how Jesus is a different kind of king and what it means to be in his Kingdom.  

November 28 – Earth

“For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has

established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: I Am the Lord and There is no other.”

Isaiah 45:18

Imagine, God creating the heavens and earth for us. He placed everything on earth, knowing that one day He would be sending his Son, Jesus, to earth to save us.

Every time you see a picture of the earth, remember that Jesus was sent to be our “Joy to the World.” Remember the above verse and the message of the Creator to his creation in the sending of his only begotten, and not created, Son to redeem the whole world the next time you sing the hymn “Joy to the World.” Truly, let earth receive her King.

December 21 – Anchored Cross

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the

curtain…” Hebrews 6:19

One of the symbols of the early church was the

anchor (which was later modified to be an anchor cross), as the people of God “held fast” to the hope that was found in the promises of God. Christmas is a time to rekindle that hope as we are reminded that God does keep his promises. But, what you might not know is that while an anchor digs into the mud of the ocean bottom, it is actually the chain that keeps a ship in place. The anchor is the starting point, but it is what connects the anchor to the ship that keeps it from drifting. The same is true about the promise of God’s grace in Christ. The promise of a Savior is the hope that anchors us, and yet it is that which connects us to the promise that keeps us firm and steady. So, what is our “chain” that connects us to the promise of God? None other than the precious, holy Word of God, the new birth in Baptism, and the Supper of our Lord!

If you have a cross (or even an anchor cross as part of “faith, hope, and love”) around your neck, take time to note that what connects the cross to you is the chain. Then take some time to read God’s Word so that you might be connected to the promises of God.

December 20 - Hands

“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.”

1 Timothy 2:8

As we await the coming of our Savior, the Christ child, this Advent season, we are often very busy with our hands: preparing Christmas dinners; picking out and wrapping presents; hugging and holding our family and friends that come to visit. Indeed, this is a busy time of the year that literally keeps our hands full!

In the verse above, we see other ways to use our hands: in worship. We lift them in praise, fold them in reverent prayer and shake the hands of others during the welcome.

The list could go on and on. But it doesn’t end inside the church walls. In 1 Timothy, Paul urges us to use our hands in prayer without anger or disputing. We all know this joyful holiday season often comes with a lot of stress and chaos whether it’s in the stores or on the road. We have an awesome opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others through acts of love and patience amidst the stress and chaos. As you use your hands this holiday season, may you worship the Christ Child in prayer, praise and service in all that you do. May we all have worshiping hands to proclaim our Savior’s birth to all peoples!

November 29 – Lamp “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but

will have the light of life.’" John 8:12

Reading through the Gospels, one can see that light is a consistent theme in Christ’s birth. The Gospel of Matthew describes the Magi who come from the east following a bright star. The Gospel of Luke talks about shepherds seeing an angel and the “glory the Lord shone around them,” (Luke 2:9). Lights are even a common theme during the Christmas season. Many of us hang lights on our homes and Christmas trees. We’ll even drive around town trying to find the best Christmas lights. However, we all can live in a state of darkness. Sin, which is a part of us all, can drive out the light of Jesus and make us succumb to the darkness. During the Christmas season, it is very important to realize that Jesus has defeated the darkness with his all availing sacrifice on Calvary. His blood has been poured out for all so that we can step out of the darkness and live for the light of Christ each and every day.

When putting up lights or seeing Christmas lights this season, focus on how Jesus is the light of our lives. Talk with your family about how Jesus has defeated sin.

November 30 – Triangle

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love

kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

Which way does the triangle point? Most would say UP! Pointing UP reminds us to look UP to our God, to worship and adore Him as both our Father and as our King. After looking UP, God points us to look IN to those believers around us, our family our Christian friends. Lastly God points us to look OUT to the people around us who don’t know HIM.

The triangle shows us: God the Father, God His

Son and God the Holy Spirit, one God, three persons, co-equal, co-eternal, guiding us to get to KNOW others to SHOW them the love HE has for them through us, and to TELL them of HIS grace.

Consider Micah 6:8 and how these words of our

Lord connect to our lives lived UP, IN and OUT.

December 19 - Angel “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”

Luke 2:10

I remember a time as a kid when I had a part in my churches nativity story. I was two and I was supposed to be a sheep. Some of my older friends who were five, however, were singing angels and I was jealous. I wanted to be an angel more than anything because I wanted to sing praise to Jesus too. As it turned out I became a singing, dancing sheep instead to the laughter of the congregation and slight embarrassment of my parents.

As I look at the Angel Chrismon I remember that day fondly. What a wonderful opportunity to be God’s messenger of Good News to the people of that time. How exciting it must have been to sing His praises and to tell people not to be afraid. The truth for us today is that the joy and responsibility for sharing God’s message isn’t just the message of the angels. It is our message too! So maybe that little singing sheep had the right idea after all. We all can share the message of Christ’s salvation be it through singing, or service, or simple words. So this week when you see an angel somewhere in a drawing or on an ornament take the time to sing God’s praises to those around you and to rejoice in the opportunity!

December 18 – The Manger

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger…”

Luke 2:7

In today’s world there seems to be a bed for every type of sleeper. There is extra soft, memory foam, posture-pedic, extra firm, and for those who can’t make up their mind—the sleep number bed. And yet Mary had no choice for her Son, our Savior. All that was available was a manger—a cattle trough—that perhaps had some straw in it to soften the hard wood that Jesus was laid upon. When we hear this part of the Christmas story, it amazes us. Jesus deserves better. And yet, as he comes to us today, what will he find in us upon which to rest his presence? Will we be firm, standing on the Word of God or firm, set in our own ways? Will we be soft, holding no real values or soft, being welcoming of Jesus in our lives. My prayer for us all is that of Luther’s in his hymn, “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”: Ah, Dearest Jesus, holy Child, prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, a quiet chamber set apart for you to dwell within my heart.

As you make your bed this morning or tomorrow morning, pause to consider the bed of Jesus, not just at birth, but the bed he has now within your heart. Then thank Jesus for His Spirit who gives us a clean heart as a dwelling place for our Lord!

December 1 – The Butterfly

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation: The old has gone and the new has come!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever enjoyed catching caterpillars and placing then in a jar with leaves so that you could watch the transformation that occurs? It’s an amazing thing to witness- a not so pleasant slimy and fuzzy critter locks itself inside a cocoon only to reappear later as a beautiful butterfly. It’s the story of the ugly duckling come to life.

The truth is it’s the story of us. We are all born sinful and it is only through transformation in Christ that we are freed from sin and restored to the beauty God had always intended for us. And what is our cocoon? It is the water of Holy baptism. Through the power of God’s Spirit given us in the water and Word we are made new. Try taking some time this week to look at some pictures of caterpillars and butterflies.

As you gaze at the caterpillars think on your sin and ask God to forgive you and then as you gaze on the butterfly rejoice in that forgiveness and thank God for the beauty of new life.

December 2 – Bronze Snake & Tau

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who

believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:14-15

I remember looking at this Chrismon as a kid with

fascination and bewilderment. Why is there a snake on a Christmas tree? Isn’t that a sign of Satan? Why is it around a cross? I shared these thoughts with my parents and they directed me to God’s word. In Numbers 21:4-8 I found my answers.

The Israelites were wandering in the desert, not so

patiently awaiting the eventual promise of a new land to inhabit. They started to grumble and soon found themselves dealing with a snake infestation. They cried out to God for help and God had Moses craft a bronze snake and place it on a pole. Anyone who looked on the snake/pole would be healed through faith. John reminds us that Jesus was lifted up on a cross and that everyone who looks to Jesus will be saved through faith!

Take a couple minutes out of your day to look to

the cross and reflect on God’s grace that has been won for you through Christ being lifted up on the cross.

December 17 – The Pearl

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.

His praise endures forever!” Psalm 111:10

Solomon is known throughout Christiandom as a very wise ruler. In 1st Kings, we read that Solomon was given a chance to ask for anything. He chose to ask for wisdom in leading God’s people. God, being pleased by his request, grants him this discerning heart. Solomon goes on to be a wise ruler with people coming from all over the world to hear his wisdom. However, even though Solomon had all the wisdom of man, his choices began to turn him away from the Lord. For all of Solomon’s wisdom, he was still susceptible to sin. Like Solomon, we too have been given wisdom. Like Solomon, our wisdom has not come from inside of us. This wisdom came in a manger, clothed in humility for our sake and sin. Our wisdom comes to us through Jesus Christ. God’s wisdom continues to come to us through His Holy Spirit so that we may know and understand Him in all that we do.

Read 1st Kings 3. Why does Solomon ask for wisdom? How can we be more like Solomon when we are praying to God?

December 16 – Agnus Dei

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of

the world!’” John 1:29

It is said that Jesus is “the lamb of God.” This is

an idea and symbol that even predates Jesus. Here John the Baptist sees Jesus and proclaims what he knows to be true. This is the promised lamb of God, sent from above to be sacrificed for the sins of the people and to protect them from sin, death and the Devil forevermore.

The symbol of the lamb is a powerful one. It points back to the events of Exodus 12 when lamb’s blood was spread over the doorposts of the people of Yahweh so that the Angel of Death might pass over their home and spare their first born. Those who did not have the lamb’s blood on their doorposts lost their first born – even the great Pharaoh lost his prized child that dreadful night. In a great reversal it is now God himself who gives his only begotten Son so that we might be spared.

Take a look at a lamb, whether online or in a picture book. Lambs are cute, but they are terribly vulnerable. As we await the coming of the Christ child we can appreciate, but still wonder at, how vulnerable Christ he made himself to be and how precious of a gift he is from God to us.

December 3 – Fleur de Lis

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his jspan of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not

arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you

of little faith!” Luke 12:25-28

What do you see when you first see the Fleur de Lis? A flower? A spear? Does it remind you of Royalty? Consider Luke 12:25-28 and reflect on the anxious moments especially at Christmas time and relate them to a Fleur (flower) de Lis (Lily). Do not be anxious as you wait upon the Lord your deliverer who bought with a price! Consider John 19:34 and let the image remind you of what price was paid for you and me at the point of a spear. The Fleur de Lis is one pattern with three separate points reminding us of Our Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit - one God, three persons. As a Christian recognize the heritage you have as Royalty as you consider 1 Peter 2:9.

December 4 – The Cross & Chalice “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you

proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” 1 Corinthians 11:26

One of the joys of the Christmas season is all the

special food. Whether it is a fancy, traditional Christmas meal complete with the fine china or those seasonal favorites like eggnog, Christmas sugar cookies, or in our house, Krumkakes (A Norwegian cookie), the food and drink we share with others proclaims to all that Christmas is near.

Food and fellowship are ways to announce our excitement that Jesus was born, that our Lord lived in this world, but also that He came to be our Savior, to suffer, die, and rise again to take away our sin, rescue us from death and Satan, and restore us to relationship with the Father. Yet, there is another special food and drink that says even more.

The Lord’s Supper, represented by the chalice and the cross, say to us as often as we eat and drink that Christ died for us. The best part is that we don’t have to wait for just one time a year—the Supper is given to us all year long!

As you make plans for making special holiday food and drinks, note the communion schedule for the holidays and plan on joining in the feast many times!

December 15 – Scroll

“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by

saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’”

Luke 14:20-21

The scroll serves as a reminder of all the prophecies and promises of God that are fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus just finished a reading from Isaiah in the above verses. This would be one of many prophecies that Jesus would fulfill. In fact, you could say that the whole of the Old Testament points forward to Jesus and that the New Testament points back to Jesus. Jesus is at the heart and center of the Testaments and God’s Word. Everything rests on Jesus. Imagine the sense of anticipation that God’s people in the Old Testament experienced. They were always hoping, waiting, and expecting the promises to be fulfilled by the Messiah. In Jesus they are fulfilled for them and for us today!

Do a Google search for the prophecies about Jesus and how they are fulfilled. Spend some time reflecting on the verses that come up in your search and what Christ’s fulfillment of these prophecies means for you, the church and the world today.

December 14 – The Phoenix

“When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2b

A phoenix is a bird form mythology that, when it dies, burns to ashes and then is reborn- it is thought to be an immortal bird. We too are reborn, though not through fire, but through the waters of our baptism. Like the phoenix we too are promised eternal life.

In this world we may have sufferings, but Jesus

reminds us he has overcome the world and through faith in Him we are promised an eternal home in His presence with no more suffering.

Take sometime this week to light a candle. As you look at the flame talk about some of the hardships we go through in life and that we need God’s deliverance from and after you have discussed them remind yourself Jesus has delivered us and has promised to us eternal life that begins now and will be completed one day with Him in heaven.

December 5 – The Shepherd’s Staff

“Then the Angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will

be to all people.’” Luke 2:10

The shepherd’s crook represents the first visitors to see the Christ Child. How appropriate that the first visitors would later represent what Jesus became for us. A shepherd to his “lost” sheep. He became a man to shepherd us and to become the sacrificial Lamb.

We do not see the shepherd’s crook in our society as much as seen in other countries, but placing one on our Christmas tree every year should remind us of God’s great gift, His Son.

December 6 – Alpha & Omega “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am

alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.’”

Revelation 1:17-18 When I think about Christmas, death is about as far from my mind as possible. I usually think that Christmas is about a baby in a manger. Christmas evokes thoughts of the beginning – the Alpha. However, death, our end, is always at our doorstep. As Christians we always know “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Wdon’t like to think about death. Death can be scary. The beauty of Christmas is that we get to look beyond the grave and into the manger. The magnificent manger scene is played over and over in our heads during this season. But just as beautiful and even more important is the end with Christ on the cross. His blood has been poured out for all, covering up all of our sin. Death is nothing to worry about for Christ is “the Alpha and Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

Look at several different manger scenes. Think about how Jesus starts as a baby but grows up to take away the sin of the world.

December 13 – Ship on Open Water

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from

afar …they are seeking a homeland.” Hebrew 11:13-14

  One of the symbols of the early Christian Church was a ship on the sea, symbolizing the journey of the Church toward heaven. It reminds me of an excerpt from “Parable of Immortality,” by Henry Van Dyke: A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There she goes!" Gone where? Gone from my sight that is all…. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There she goes!" there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . . "Here she comes!"

What a beautiful picture of the journey that we sail on together from this life to the next! Take a moment to reflect on those who are celebrating Christmas with Jesus in heaven. Consider the joyful reunion they had with those in heaven saying, “Here they come!”

December 12 – Star of David

“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the

promise.” Galatians 3:29

The Star, or Shield, of David is widely recognized

as a symbol of the Jewish people. It has many symbolic meanings ranging from representing the letters of the word “Judah” in Hebrew to the twelve points signifying the twelve tribes of the united Jewish kingdom. As the people of God the Hebrews were meant to bear the blessing of God on Earth. Starting with Abraham God had a destiny of blessing in mind for them, and through them, for the whole world (read Genesis 12). In Christ we, the Church, are a new Israel. It is through Christ’s Church on earth that he is bearing his promise of life, blessing and peace. This promise is borne by the Church in the proclamation of the Word and the administration of Baptism & Holy Communion but it is also manifest in the word and deed of the people of the Church – you and I. This Advent season as you hear or read the Word of God and partake of Communion give thanks for the blessing of God given to you. Pray to the Lord and ask how you might be a blessing to your family, your neighbors or your community. Then, go be a blessing in that way.

December 7 – The Star “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East [or at its rising and have

come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:2

The Star pointed the Wise Men and the

Shepherd’s to where the Christ child lay. It was a guiding star pointing these men in the direction of their newborn Savior. The Shepherds, the Wise Men and the star are typically featured in nativities.

Nativities help us get a glimpse of what it was like

for the Shepherds and Wise Men to behold God’s promise of a Savior to save us from our sins.

Next year keep your Nativity up all year round,

thus reminding you every day, that Jesus came to earth to save us and to be our guiding star.

December 8 – Seashell “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior

appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us

through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through

Jesus Christ our Savior” Titus 3:4-6

Have you ever been to the seashore? I can remember wanting to get there early in order to find as many seashells as possible. I loved grabbing them and putting them by my ear and hearing the sound of the ocean echo in my head. The best thing was that the sound stayed with me long after the trip to the beach had faded and every time I held the shell I had a tangible memory of that time.

The sea shell Chrismon a reminder of our baptism and like the sound of the ocean that could still be heard in my shell long after I left the beach, the power of baptism remains always present with us no matter how far removed we are from the date. God daily washes us and renews us in His Spirit!

Go searching for a seashell sometime this week. Place it to your ear and as you hear the sound of the waves think Of God’s forgiveness and promise of belonging in His family washing over you.

December 11 - Dove

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God

in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’”

Luke 2:13-14 The Dove is an internationally recognized symbol of peace. At Christmas we celebrate with the angels the peace that God brings to earth in Christ. But we might pause and ask, “what peace?” The words of H.W. Longfellow’s poem still ring clear today: I heard the bells on Christmas; Their old familiar carols play; And wild and sweet the words repeat; Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song; Of peace on earth, good will to men." Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail; With peace on earth, good will to men." Listen to Casting Crowns perform their rendition of this poem on YouTube and reflect on the peace of God on earth. Pray for situations, people and places wrought with violence and yearning for peace.

December 10 – The Three Fish “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14

It’s all Greek to me! Did you know that ΙΧΘΥΣ is the Greek word for fish? It is also an acrostic for “Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior".  I   Iota is the first letter of Iesous (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for

"Jesus". Χ     Chi is the first letter of Christos (Χριστός), Greek

for "anointed". Θ     Theta is the first letter of Theou (Θεοῦ), Greek for

"God's Υ     Ypsilon is the first letter of (h)yios (Υἱός), Greek for

"Son" Σ   Sigma is the first letter of sōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for

"Savior".  The triquetra of 3 interlaced fishes is one of the

very earliest of Christian symbols, predating the crucifix by hundreds of years. Three fish interlaced represent the interlaced nature of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit; one God in Three persons. As we go amongst the sea of people in the world consider Matthew 4:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14.

December 9 – Pomegranate

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

John 15:8

The pomegranate, being native to the

Mediterranean area, became a symbol for the early church and continues for us today. The fruit is symbolic of the Church with the seeds being its members. Jesus tells us that as seeds, as disciples of Jesus, we will bear much fruit. To do so we must first and foremost gain our sustenance from God through Word and Sacrament. However, for a pomegranate to reproduce it must be broken open and the seeds must be scatted and planted. So we too must be scattered and planted out in our schools, in our work places, and in our communities. It is there that we bring the rich, sweet taste of God’s grace to people. Grab your favorite fruit and savor the taste and be reminded of the riches of God’s grace for you. Remember that you are to go and bear fruit as a disciple of Jesus. Pray for God to reveal to you one person whom he wants you to plant a seed in. And do it!