CHRISMONS

Chrismons have recently become a popular form of decoration for church and
home Christmas Trees.  Chrismons, however, have come down to us through
history.  The word is a combination of the words "Christ" and "Monogram" and
that is exactly what they are -- symbols of Christ.  The source of
inspiration comes from the Scriptures which are full of "Names of Christ"
which are illustrations of His character and work and easily demonstrated in
objects.  Like parables, they are earthly symbols with heavenly mean ings.

They were designed, carved, and drawn by some of the earliest Christians and
were found in many places -- on jewelry and utensils, in the catacombs, and
on doors and buildings. They were symbols used by early Christians to show
their faith to the world.  They were always made in gold and white to
symbolize majesty and purity.

Ideas for Chrismons may be obtained from books on Christian symbols, which
are available in most libraries, or from the Bible itself.  Try Nave's
Topical Bible which lists hundreds of names of Christ.  Once you have ideas
gather some creative or "crafty" people and have a Chrismon making party.
Here's how...


	1.  Make cardboard patterns, simplifying the 
	    designs if necessary.


 	2.  Use white styrofoam (meat and pastry trays 
	    are good), white felt, and white plastic 
	    canvas for the background.


	3.  Use gold braid, cord, yarn, embroidery thread, 
	    rickrack, glitter, glitter stems, sequins, 
	    beads, gold foil, etc. for design.


	4.  Use white glue or fabric to attach the design 
	    to the background.


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