MERRY CHRISTMAS

        Traditions

        Beside all the commercialism of Christmas, some
        of the things are just Traditions. Steeped in
        long ago meanings and symbolic of such things
        that pertain mostly to religious beliefs. In
        these modern times, it is important to look back
        in our history, and teach our childred what these
        colors, and trees, and decorations mean. Centuries
        ago, history lived through stories told by the "older"
        generations. We have lost much of that with the
        onslaught of books available, and media entertainment.

        As all of us do, as I am sure your family has it's
        Traditions. But, do you know why? what they mean? and
        are you passing them onto those around you?


        COLORS:
         GREEN- So much meaning here.
        Evergreen, for eternal life. Pine trees, holly, mistletoe,
        all stay green throughout the year.
        The "gift" of eternal life, to never die, as we believe that
        Christ was born on this day, the Savior of our souls.
         RED-Also a "gift" This time of the sacrifice of Christ,
        the symbol of His shed blood, as the sacrifice for sins.

        HOLLY and IVY
        Holly and Ivy were mid-winter decorations in ancient
        England. With the advent of Christianity, they came to
        symbolize the life that blooms even in winter.

        MISTLETOE
        Mistletoe decorations began with Druids in England with
        marriage ceremonies that began with kissing under
        mistletoe. Like the holly and the ivy, mistletoe leaves
        remain green even in the midst of winter. Their white
        berries, symbolize the purity of God's love.

        THE WREATH
        The wreath combines two symbols of everlasting life,
        the evergreen bough and the continuous circle.

        CANDLES
        Candles represent Christ, the light of the world.
        Candles in the window will guide Mary and Joseph to
        a home that welcomes them.

        THE
        LEGEND OF
        THE
        CHRISTMAS
        STOCKING



        According to legend, the custom of hanging up
        stockings during Christmas began all the way back
        in the 4th century with St. Nicholas. The story
        told is about a nobleman who was once rich and
        powerful, but then came into hard times. Whether
        rich or poor, he was always kindly and generous to
        his fellow man.

        His wife had passed away and he was left with a
        daughter who he loved very much, but could not
        provide her with a dowry. Without the dowry, she
        could not marry, which made them both very sad.

        Nicholas heard of the troubles of the nobleman and
        one night, during the Christmas season, Nicholas
        threw a bag of gold through the man's window. The
        bag of gold landed in one of the girl's stockings
        that had been hung up to dry. The gold was just
        enough to be used as her dowry.

        Since then, Children have hung their stockings up
        each Christmas Eve in the hope of finding treasure
        in them in the morning...

        Another variation of the origin of this custom is
        related to Santa Claus. One Christmas Night, after
        visiting a house he was going back up the chimney
        when several gold coins fell out of his pocket and
        landed inside the children's stockings which had been placed by the fire to dry.



          The First Noel

          The first Noel the angel did say
          Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
          In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,
          on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
          Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
          Born is the King of Israel.

          They looked up and saw a star
          Shining in the east beyond them far,
          And to the earth it gave great light,
          And so it continued both day and night.
          Refrain

          And by the light of that same star
          Three wise men came from country far;
          To seek for a king was their intent,
          And to follow the star wherever it went.
          Refrain

          This star drew nigh to the northwest,
          O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,
          And there it did both stop and stay
          Right over the place where Jesus lay.
          Refrain

          Then entered in those wise men three
          Full reverently upon their knee,
          and offered there in his presence
          Their gold, and myrrh, and frakincense.
          Refrain

          Then let us all with one accord
          Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
          That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
          And with his blood mankind hath bought.
          Refrain

          [Old English Carol]


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