Our Chrismons

Sanctuary tree with Chrismons

Last year, while a group of us were helping Cecelia Schenk decorate the 12-foot tree in the Sanctuary I was enthralled with the Chrismons used to decorate it.  Pastor Davis requested a Christmas tree for our Christmas morning service in Swain Hall this year so the tree was moved there for the season and we were all able to enjoy those very special decorations up close.

Martha Porter shared with me her research from a PW talk she had done several years ago.  Caroline Phelps and Beryl Wehlau, among others, were two who helped create Chrismons at a local church sale.  The Chrismons are all handmade and shaped like ancient Christian symbols.  The name Chrismon is a combination of the words Christ and monogram and is copyrighted by the Ascension Lutheran Church of Danville, Virginia, where they were first created by Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer in 1957.

Chrismons are always white, gold, or crystal.  White represents the purity of Christ and is also the liturgical color of Christmas.  Gold represents the majesty and glory of God and crystal is for the Holy Spirit.  Their shapes are the familiar fish, stars, circles, triangles, crosses, doves, chalices, etc., and each has a very profound meaning in the Christian faith.  We share empathy with these antique shapes and their messages that have survived so many centuries and yet remain a part of our faith today, especially during the holy Christmas season.

~ Donna Roth