The word Chrismon is made from two other words: Christ (chris) and monogram (mon). They were mostly symbols used by early Christians as a symbol of faith. In days when it was particularly dangerous to be a Christian, followers of Jesus used secret signs and symbols to communicate with other Christians. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, a tradition has been to decorate an evergreen tree (itself a symbol of God’s constancy) with white lights and a variety of Chrismons. Over the years, this idea has expanded to other symbols related to the Trinity, the church, and a life of discipleship. The tree in our Sanctuary becomes something of a perfect Christmas—reflecting the true meaning and spirit of one of the most important events for Christians.
 

The dove expresses innocence and purity. It signifies the Holy Spirit and the presence of God as hovering over the water at creation and above Jesus at his baptism.

The Cross Crosslet is a cross with the ends of each arm crossed with their lower arms joined in the center. It is suggestive of the spread of the Christian faith to the four corners of the earth.

The circle around the center of the Celtic Cross is variously interpreted as the sun, or as a symbol of eternity.

The Chi Rho is a combination of the first two letters of the Greek word Christos (Χριστός), which means Christ.

The Mariner’s Cross is a stylized cross in the shape of an anchor. The Mariner’s cross is also referred to as a St. Clement’s Cross, in reference to the way he was martyred.

The Jerusalem Cross is a symbol of the unity of all Christians. It is also known as the Five Fold Cross and the Crusader's Cross.

The Cross and Crown depicted together symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ and the kingship of our Lord.

The Scallop Shell is generally used in Christian art to signify pilgrimage. The shell is also one of the primary symbols of the sacrament of Baptism.

The Ark and Rainbow remind us of the covenant God made with Noah, and the new covenant God made with the church.

The scroll stands for the five books of Moses, as the first five books of the Old Testament are commonly called. These are known as the Torah and constitute the most sacred Law of the Jewish people.

The Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which stands for Jesus Christ, “the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:13)

The triangle is a symbol of the Trinity.

The Fish is a secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters of the Greek words for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” spell the Greek word ἰχθύς, which means fish.

Grapes symbolize the wine and bread of Holy Communion.

These letters are formed from the first letters of the Greek word Ιησούς, or Jesus.

The lyre is a musical instrument representing the song of the angels and the birth of Christ.

The Latin Cross was the cross used on Calvary and is the most widely depicted cross today.

As the gospel story depicts it, Jesus found rest in a manger trough. Look closely, and you'll see the Greek letters Chi Rho, meaning Christ.

The lamp is a symbol of scripture as the Word of God. (Psalm 119)

The Christmas Rose symbolizes the Nativity of our Lord.

The six pointed star is a symbol of God the Creator, or the symbol of Creation.

The Good News Star depicts the star the shepherds saw from afar leading them and the magi to find Jesus in a manger.

The Crown of Thorns is a symbol of the martyrs. Soldiers crowned Christ before the crucifixion as a parody of the Roman emperor's festal crown of roses.

The Circle and Triangle represents the eternity of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

The Butterfly is a symbol of the resurrection and of eternal life. Like the caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly, they remind us that Jesus, who died, who was buried, and who is alive.