Southminster Chrismon Tree
WHAT IS THE HISTORY & PURPOSE OF A CHRISMON TREE?
The Chrismon Tree in America started in 1957, when a woman named Frances Spencer, who was a member of a Lutheran Church in Danville, VA, was sad that so many churches seemed to be decorated more like shop windows than as sacred spaces in which to worship.
Frances created Chrismon ornaments based on symbols of faith. Some of the symbols go back to the first century of the church when Christians under persecution would use them to identify hidden places of worship. The evergreen tree represents eternal life, and the white lights remind us of Jesus as the “Light of the World.” The ornaments were to be made by hand and with love.
The idea of the Chrismon Tree spread quickly through the churches in Virginia and, eventually, to churches all over the world. Since I was baptized as an infant in Richmond, VA, in a church that had one, I was inspired by the beauty of it for as long as I can remember. I have helped other churches start the tradition and have made some of the Chrismons. Our Worship Team has decided that this would be a great tradition for Southminster, too!
HOW WILL WE INTRODUCE THEM TO THE CONGREGATION?
The tree will have white doves all over it, and we will start this year with just the first 8 ornaments. (More will be created each year.) On each of the 4 Sundays in Advent, the children’s time will touch on one of the symbols, after which a child can volunteer to hang it on the tree.
IF YOU HAVE ARTISTIC/CREATIVE TALENT:
Contact Pastor Nancy or Lois Thorp in the office. We can answer your questions and give you a pattern, the basic measurements, and information on the materials that work best.
