THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 1, 1994 TAG: 9411300136
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 95 lines
A CHRISMON TREE portrays in vivid religious symbolism both the beauty and blessedness of the Christmas season.
``Chrismon,'' meaning the monograms or names of Christ, are symbols taken from Christian history that reveal the nature and character of Jesus.
Developed years ago by a native of Danville for her Lutheran church, this unique Christmas tradition now has been adapted in various forms by many churches and denominations across the country as a way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Members of First Baptist Church on North Main Street trimmed their Chrismon Tree last week just in time for the celebration of the First Sunday of Advent. The handmade ornaments decorating the tree were fashioned by some young people of the congregation.
Last year, Tabby Overstreet and several other members of the Acteens youth mission organization suggested making a Chrismon Tree for this Christmas as a part of their awards program for mission service. Overstreet explained the concept to Acteen leader Susan Harvey and the Acteen group responded enthusiastically. Several other women from mission circles within the church also joined the effort.
``It was fun helping to decorate the tree for the church,'' said Acteen member Christian Goodwin. ``It's not just a Christmas tree, but a tree with meaning.''
The six-month project, which began in the summer of 1993, produced 150 gold-framed cross-stitched ornaments.
``It was a wonderful experience for the girls,'' Harvey said. ``It was exciting to see them so excited and involved in this ministry.''
Acteen leader Faye Howell agreed.
``I think each person involved in the program gained a better understanding of the symbolism behind Christianity. . . . It's the Acteens' gift to the church and we hope it adds to everyone's understanding of Christmas.''
The towering 12-foot Chrismon Tree on the pulpit platform at First Baptist captures the beauty of the holy season it embodies. The greenery represents life and growth. The ornaments, done predominantly in white and gold, symbolize the purity and perfection, the majesty and glory of the Son of God.
Hundreds of tiny white lights symbolize Jesus as ``The Light of the World'' and remind viewers of the heavenly backdrop seen by shepherds and angels on that long-ago night in Bethlehem.
Various ornaments on the Chrismon Tree represent symbols of the Christian calendar, such as ``The Scroll with Prophecy,'' which symbolizes Advent, and ``The Vine,'' which connects the significance of the true life that is in Christ with the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5.
The cross, one of the most popular Chrismon symbols, is shown in at least 16 different forms. Some forms come from the Latin, Greek or Roman traditions. Others, like the ``X,'' remind observers of martyred apostles who died on crosses of this shape.
Several ornaments feature some of the earliest Greek and Latin monograms, letters and words referring to Christ, such as ``IHS,'' which are the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus.
Stars, crowns, a fish, a dove, a butterfly and a rose are among the symbols used to represent various attributes of the character of Christ. A blue stained-glass angel, designed by First Baptist Church mission leader Larry Bilby, hovers on the top branch of the Chrismon Tree just as the angels might have hovered above Mary and Joseph on the night of Jesus' birth.
``The tree has been well received by our people,'' said church education director Todd Estes. Last year, in a children's sermon, Estes used several of the ornaments as a springboard for his Christmas devotional.
``It helps children grasp the true meaning of Christmas, and ornaments help tell the story in a way they can remember,'' he said.
Throughout December, gathered in worship around their Chrismon Tree, members of First Baptist plan to celebrate Advent with many special activities. Each Sunday of Advent, special emphasis will be placed on different reasons behind the Christmas season: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.
A worship banner committee led by Susan Harvey is working on four giant worship banners depicting each Advent observance. During a processional each Sunday, a new banner will be presented as a part of the 11 a.m. worship service.
As their Christmas love-gift to the community, the adult choir of the church will present ``I'll Be Home for Christmas'' in three performances this weekend: on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. This non-traditional dramatic musical set in the 1940s is geared for all ages.
Music director Andy Madsen invites the community to ``join in this time of celebrating Christmas and the hope it brings. . . . The music and drama will help the season come to life.''
All three performances are free and open to the public. The church is at 237 North Main Street. Call 539-4152 for additional information about holiday activities. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Acteen leader Faye Howell puts a white bow on the Chrismon Tree at
First Baptist Church in Suffolk. The teenagers made 150 white and
gold Chrismons as their gift to the church.
by CNB