11 Biblical Symbols of Christmas and Their Meanings

Perhaps the most important of all Christmas symbols is that of the Nativity. The Nativity is a picturesque representation of the evening Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Mary, His mother, is typically shown kneeling alongside her newborn Son, keeping watch as the Savior takes His first breaths. Along with them is Joseph, the husband of Mary, keeping watch. Animals typically surround them as well to showcase that Jesus was born in a manger or where the animals were kept in the evening. Lastly, Jesus, a tiny babe, rests peacefully in the middle of it all in a feeding trough. This reminds us of the humble entrance into the world, but also that regardless of the circumstances, God will do as He promised- even sending His Son into the world as an infant to begin a journey to one day die for our sins and rise again.

We see figures such as the little drummer boy in some nativities. It is unknown if there was, in fact, a young man with a drum to play that first night of Jesus's life, but the famous Christmas Carol "The Little Drummer Boy" has been a well-loved song for years. It sends a message about offering your best to God and serving Christ, even if all you have to offer is a song and your time. This reminds us at any time of year that God values our service and worship.

The final piece of the Nativity scene is that of the Three Wise Men beginning their journey to travel to see the child, Jesus. Biblical dating varies as to exactly when they arrived, but we do know that they came bearing gifts with them. These Wise Men knew that Jesus, though a mere child at the time, was a King superior to any ruler who had ever been before.

We are told in Matthew 2:7 that a star marked where Jesus was, "Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared." It appeared when Jesus was born and it led the Magi, or the Wise Men to the exact location where Jesus and His family were.

Candles are often a part of the Christmas scene as they remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. John 1:3 reminds us, "Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Candles reflect that something that once was without light or warmth can be lit by God, and it can live out not only its purpose but also offer light, warmth, and clarity to all those who encounter it. Christ does this through us.

Angels are a huge part of the Christmas story as they are messengers of God to mankind, and they carry out many missions and plans of the Lord throughout Scripture. We first see an angel appear to tell Mary that she is the one to bear Jesus, and then again appear to Joseph in a dream to offer him understanding that his fiancé, Mary, was not lying or cheating on him. The Angels are also typically associated with the shepherds in the field to proclaim to them the good news that Jesus was born so that they may too worship the Lord.

The term "Candy Cane" first became popular in the 1860s, and their first association with Christmas is believed to be in the 1870s. Christians believe the "J" shape they feature represents the first letter of Jesus' name, or it can represent a shepherd's crook when turned upside down. The white in the candy represents Christ's sinlessness, while the red represents His blood shed for us. Candy canes have been a beloved treat for years, but they also hold a powerful meaning of Christ's love and sacrifice.

Christmas is the time of year when we often give gifts, and this tradition first began with the birth of Christ. Christ is God's gift to the world; humans also brought gifts to the newborn King. Kings Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus shortly after his birth. Matthew 2:11 explains, "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route."

When we give gifts today, let us not forget the greatest gift of all is Jesus Himself.

Ribbons typically adorn gifts but can also serve as a biblical reminder. As tradition carries, they symbolize how all individuals should be tied together in good-hearted kindness and unity throughout this time of year. As we tie ribbons upon a gift, may we also reflect on how we can be tied together in unity during a time in our world where disunity seems so prevalent.

Doves are also a classic symbol of Christmas, but their origins date as far back as Noah in the Bible. A dove first brought an olive branch to Noah to show that the waters had subsided, and peace was upon the earth. A dove also appeared after Jesus was baptized, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Whenever we see a dove may we be reminded that God is a God of peace and kindness unto us.

Photo credit: © Unsplash/Vivek Doshi

Christmas Carols are songs that we typically only sing during the holidays, but when we listen to the words, we realize that they are, in fact, reminders to us of the gift of Christ coming to this earth. He came as a babe to a broken and bleak world to live humbly as a human, to live a perfect and sinless life, and to minister to all humanity. He then fulfilled prophecies and promises in dying for our sins on the cross and rising again on the Third Day, just as He promised. Instead of singing carols this year as just a catchy tune, let our hearts shift to worship as we proclaim and exult Him with gratitude for all He has done and sacrificed for us.

Photo credit: ©Aaron Burden/Unsplash