The Symbolism of the Chrismon Tree
For two thousand years, Christians the world over have celebrated Christ's birthday, each country according to its own traditional interpretation of the holy day. The National Presbyterian Church welcomes you and invites you to enjoy the Chrismon Tree decorated with the symbols that tell the story of God's love.
The word, "Chrismon" is a combination of two words, "Christ" and "monogram." A Chrismon is just that -- a monogram of Christ.
All the Chrismons are made in combinations of white and gold. White is the liturgical color for Christmas, referring to Christ's purity and perfection. Gold refers to His majesty and glory. "Christ, the Light of the World" is indicated by using tiny clear white lights.
There are various combinations of these crosses, monograms and symbols on the Chrismon tree.
Tau Cross (Anticipatory, Old Testament, Advent) Salvation promised but not yet accomplished.
Numbers 21:9
Isaiah 53
Anchor Cross (Cross of Hope) This Child, the hope of the world;
or, a cross rises from a crescent moon, a symbol for our Lord's mother.
Hebrews 6:19
Luke 2:7
Cross Crosslet The spread of Christianity to the North, East, South, West --
to the ends of the earth.
Matthew 28:19
Mark 8:34
Acts 1:8
Passion Cross (Cross of Suffering).
Pointed ends remind of the points of the nails, the thorns, and the spear.
John 19
Cross in Glory (Rayed, Easter).
The rising sun behind the cross suggests the new day when our Lord conquered death by His Ressurection.
1 Corinthians 15:2
Cross of Constantine The Chi Rho with the X turned to form a cross;
Christ the conquering King.
1 Timothy 6:15
Cross Flamant (Fiery Cross).
Flames signify the fiery zeal of one filled with the Spirit of God.
Romans 12:11
Cross Treflée (Bottonée).
Three circles at the end of each arm symbolize the Holiy Trinity.
2 Corinthians 13:14
St. Andrew's Cross Andrew was reputed to have died on a cross of this shape.
Here, this cross symbolizes the whole Christian Church.
Ephesians 1:23
Latin Cross Long, upright; most widely used form of the cross among Christians
Greek Cross All extensions of equal length.
This balanced form is easier to use in designs
and was much employed by early Greek artists.
Cross over the World Christ over the world, "Go ye into all the world..."
Jerusalem Cross Four Tau Crosses meet to form a larger cross;
Five wounds of our Lord. Or, Old Testament prophecies (Taus) culminated in the
crucifixion of our Lord (large cross) on a hill near Jerusalem.
Since then His followers have carried the Gospel to the corners of the world (small corner crosses).
Cross Triumphant A world united in Christ; triumph of the Lord over early sin.
Cross Patée with Four Scrolls. Our Salvation as proclaimed in the four Gospels.
Winged man - Matthew; winged lion - Mark; winged ox - Luke; eagle - John.
Cross in Eternity
Chi Rho - First letters of CHRist in the Greek alphabet.
INRI - First letters of the words in the Latin superscription,
"Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"
John 19:19
An Equilateral Triangle - three part figure, or any three-like items - the Triune God.
A Circle symbolizes eternity, God the only eternal One, or eternal life with God.
The Chalice symbolizes the Lord's Supper.
The Angels symbolize the spirits God created to serve Him.
The Descending Dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
The Chrismon tree is a memorial to Frances and Marjorie McNall
given and decorated by the Women's Association.
The McNall sisters made many of the original Chrismons and used their skills in serving God's kingdom.