Symbols of hope: a closer look at our Chrismon tradition

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The story behind our Chrismon tree

Ready for some fun Advent trivia now that we have decked our church halls for the holidays? A few people already asked about the handmade gold and white ornaments on the tree near the altar. Maybe you grew up with a Chrismon tree in your congregation, but for the rest of you, these might be some interesting fun facts.

The word “Chrismon” is a combination of the words “Christ” and “monogram,” which translates into “symbols of Christ.” In the past, when Christians were not legally able to worship in public or freely gather to speak and share their faith, these symbols were a way for the followers of Christ to recognize Jesus followers. Many of us have learned tales of Roman Christians drawing the symbol of a fish in the sand with their toes (a symbol called an Ichthys) to let other Christians know they were among friends.

Legend has it the first time these symbols were used as a tree ornament was in 1957 at Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, Virginia, to replace secular ornaments and Christmas balls of the time with teaching tools that gave honor to “the reason for the season.”

Traditionally, the ornaments found on Chrismon trees are handmade, typically white and gold. There is no single set of official designs, but graphic images are typically pulled from Bible verses where Jesus is described in a creative or metaphorical way.

Here are a few examples. See if you can guess the Bible verses for names of Jesus referenced on our tree ornaments if you are able to visit us in person. Consider making your own set at home if you are a crafter, or scroll through the Gospels and imagine what symbols you might choose to teach others about Jesus. Have a joyfully blessed Advent week!

Examples of Chrismons:

• Cross: The cross is the most recognizable symbol of Christianity, representing Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
• Fish: The fish, or ichthys, was a secret symbol used by early Christians to identify each other. It is an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” in Greek.
• Alpha and Omega: These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and represent Jesus as the beginning and the end.
• Chi-Rho: This is a monogram of chi (Χ) and rho (Ρ) as the first two letters of the Greek word “Khristos” for Christ, used as a Christian symbol.
• Lamb: The lamb symbolizes Jesus’ role as the “Lamb of God,” a title for Jesus that appears in the Gospel of John.
• Crown: This symbol represents the kingship of Christ. It can also symbolize the victory of the Christian martyrs or the victory of Jesus over death.
• Shepherd’s crook (staff): It symbolizes Jesus as the Good Shepherd who guides and looks after his followers.

Pastor Carla

This Advent season, join us in reflection, prayer, and study as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Advent study: The Journey by Adam Hamilton

Join Rev. Deb and Pastor Carla for an in-person, four-week Advent study based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s The Journey. This fascinating look at the birth of Jesus takes participants from Nazareth to Bethlehem, using history, archaeology, and reflection to explore the meaning of Christ’s coming.

• When: 10 a.m. on Fridays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19
• Where: Luther Hall
• Cost: Book available on Amazon for about $10
• Video: Available through Amplify Media
• Register: Email PastorCarla@BridgeBuilder.church to sign up (walk-ins welcome).

Advent contemplative prayer group

During the Advent season, join us for contemplative prayer focused on Lectio Divina, or sacred reading. Together we will meditate on scripture and the themes of the Advent wreath: hope, peace, joy, and love.

• When: 6:30 – 8 p.m. on Mondays, Dec. 8, 15, and 22
• Facilitators: Spiritual Director Gale Wenk du Pont and Pastor Carla Christopher
• Location: Online via Zoom

Register: Click here to sign up

Koinonia Advent afternoon of celebration and fellowship

Saturday, Dec. 6, 1–3 p.m., Luther Hall

Enjoy hot cider, cocoa, snacks, and crafts as we celebrate the season. Create your own Advent wreath and connect with others in fellowship and fun.

Evening Classic Vinyasa Yoga

Focus on strength, balance, breathwork, and relaxation while learning techniques for chronic pain and healthy movement.

When: Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Jan. 7, and Jan. 14, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Community Lutheran Church
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service

Join Pastor Carla and others for this interfaith candlelight service honoring those who have died without a place to call home.

When: Sunday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes, 528 E. Stein Hwy, Seaford, DE
Hosted by: Housing Alliance Delaware and community partners.

Christmas Gift Drives

For Pantry Families:

The Food Pantry would like to provide Christmas gifts to children of pantry participants during the Dec. 16 distribution.

Participants will have the opportunity to select items for their children from donations collected in advance. We are asking for unwrapped gifts (valued at no more than $20) to be brought to the church and placed in the collection box in the narthex. A suggested gift list will be available near the box.

Suggested items include:

• Games or toys
• Books
• Stuffed animals
• Crafts or puzzles
• Art supplies

Ages: Gifts should be appropriate for children ages 2 to 14.
Drive begins: Nov. 9

Thank you for your generosity.

Questions? Contact Lorie at 301-247-9711.

For John M. Clayton Elementary School:

Provide new, unwrapped toys or clothes by Dec. 7. Items will be distributed to families who select gifts for their children. This is a separate collection from the gifts that we will be collecting for the families of our food pantry clients.  The following is a list of the items that the staff is requesting:

Holiday Gift Ideas for Ages 5-12

• Crafts
• Dolls
• Plushies, Stuffies
• Fishing Rods & Tackle Boxes
• Goo jitzu
• Indoor Snowballs
• Jewelry
• Legos for boys and girls
• Make-up and Mirrors; Hair supplies
• PJ’s & Blankets
• Remote Control Vehicles for boys and girls
• Robots for boys and girls
• Skateboards, helmets, knee and elbow pads
• Speakers
• Sporting Equipment: baseball bats, balls, gloves; footballs; basketballs
• STEM kits
• Transformers
• Board Games (Some) & Books (Some)

There will be a separate collection box in the Narthex for the school.  Questions? Contact Terri Windlan at 703.405.5316.

Friendly reminder: Updated contact emails

Please double-check the email address you’re using when reaching out to Community Lutheran staff. All accounts are now working correctly.

Contacts:

• Pastor Carla — pastorcarla@bridgebuilder.church
• Pastor Karis — pastor@bridgebuilder.church
• David Nilsson, Treasurer — treasurer@bridgebuilder.church
• Morgana Wilkes, Technology Support —  tech.clc.30897@gmail.com

Our ministry is always moving through worship, service, and care. Here’s what’s coming up at Community:

• December 16: Food Pantry distribution
• December 24: Cocoa and Carols at 4:30 p.m. followed by Christmas Eve worship at 5 p.m.

Community Lutheran’s fall Empowerment Campaign: a season of growth and vision

Community Lutheran is embarking on an exciting new chapter as we continue to grow in faith, service, and impact. This fall, we’re launching our Empowerment Campaign, a time to celebrate where we’ve been, cast vision for where we’re going, and invite everyone to play a vital role in sustaining and strengthening our shared ministry.

At the heart of this campaign is the introduction of our three Signature Ministries, which will help guide our mission through 2026 and beyond. These ministries reflect our deepest values and the unique call God has placed on this congregation.

Please remember to turn in your Statements of Intent if you have not already done so. Simply email to clcomarfinance@gmail.com.

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