What Does Chrismon Mean?
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Have you ever wondered… Iota, Eta, Sigma in a Circle -- These are the first three letters in the Greek word for Jesus. These letters in the circle (the symbol for eternity) remind us that Jesus gives us eternal life. What does Chrismon mean? CHRISMON = CHRIST+MONOgram Jerusalem Cross -- The crusader’s cross. This cross was worn by the crusaders going to Jerusalem. Wikipedia states: A chrismon is one of a number of Christian symbols intended to represent aspects of the Person, life or ministry of Jesus Christ and the life, Butterfly-- The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection ministry or history of the Christian Church through a single image, emblem or and immortality of the soul; a message of life. monogram. The term “chrismon” comes from the Latin phrase “Christi Mono- gramma”, meaning “monogram of Christ”. By definition, the literal monogram Latin Cross & Alpha and Omega-- We are reminded that Jesus is the Alpha of Christ, which is the Greek letters X (“chi”) superimposed upon P (“rho”), is and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who died on the cross for us. the more commonly named Chi Rho or labarum, which is actually the name of an imperial standard, where the chi rho was employed. Orb and cross - The orb (symbol of the earth) has a cross over it. Chrismons can be found in all sizes, any sort of construction, and are used in We are reminded that the world needs Christ. Also known as Trium- numerous applications. Often, the P is formed to look like a shepherd’s crook phant Church -- The world (as seen by the latitude and longitude lines) with the cross on top, reminds us that Christ is triumphant and the X like a cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ as Good Shepherd of his flock, over the challenges presented by living in the world. the Christian Church. Below are some examples that adorn our Christmas tree here at Hope. Serpent Lifted Up-- A sign of salvation coming from the Old Testament, and mentioned in John 3:14. Crown -- Shows royalty and power of Christ. Jesus is the King of kings. Trinity -- Three Circles, Symbol of the Holy Trinity Eight Pointed Star -- Symbolizes the Kingdom of God and heaven. Trefoil (or Triquetro) and Circle -- Trefoil is a three-pointed knot symbolic of Fish -- One of the early signs of Christianity was the fish. The the trinity. Circle is symbol of eternity. Greek word for fish is IXTHUS. This is an acrostic for the Greek words for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Wheat and Grapes -- We are reminded of the wheat and grapes which make up the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. Anchored Cross -- A Christian cross-shaped like an anchor symbolizing the steadfast faithfulness of God. Triangle and Trinitarian Symbol -- Both are symbols of the Trinity. Chi Rho -- Two Greek letters which are the first letters in the Greek word for Christ. Star of David -- Jesus Christ’s Jewish heritage as a descendent of King David. Circle -- Symbolizes the world, God’s wholeness, and eternity. Cross and Chi -- Two chi’s superimposed upon one another. Celtic Cross- the cross is a common symbol The chi in it’s normal position represents Christ (Chi is the first letter in of Jesus’ crucifixion and of salvation. the Greek word for Christ). The chi in the position of the cross repre- sents Christ’s crucifixion. Together, they remind us of what the baby in Dove -- A white dove is symbolic of peace the manger came to earth to do. and as referenced in Christ’s baptism. Iota and Chi in a Circle -- Iota and chi are the first letters in the Five Pointed Star -- The Star represents the star of Greek for Jesus Christ. The two letters in the circle (the symbol Bethlehem that led the wise men to the baby Jesus. for eternity) remind us that Christ offers us eternal life. Seashell -- the water of baptism White Rose - The Rose is a symbol of Mary and the Nativity of our Lord. .