Chrismons information.jpg

✨ Chrismons: Symbols of Christ

The word Chrismon blends CHRISt and MONogram—literally, a monogram of Christ.

From the earliest days of Christianity, believers carved or drew these sacred symbols. They appeared on jewelry, household items, doors, catacombs, and buildings. Early Christians used Chrismons to:
  • Identify themselves to one another
  • Mark church meeting places
  • Publicly show their faith
These designs carried the artist’s faith to the viewer, passing on inspiration and belief across generations.

🎄 Chrismons on the Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree with Chrismons reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas—Christ’s Mass, the celebration of His festival.
  • The designs are non‑denominational, pointing always to Christ.
  • The first Chrismon tree appeared in 1957 at the Lutheran Church of Ascension in Danville, Virginia.
At Immanuel, Chrismons were first displayed in 1968, refreshed in the 1970s, and joyfully returned to the tree in 2023.
1 Cross.jpg

The Cross

2 Celtic Cross.jpg

Celtic Cross

3 Alpha Omega.jpg

Alpha and Omega

4 Chi-Rho.jpg

Chi-Rho

5 Star of David.jpg

Star of David

6 Star.jpg

Five-Pointed Star

7 Crown.jpg

Crown

8 Staff.jpg

Shepherd's Crook

9 Prayer.jpg

Hands in Prayer

10 Dove.jpg

Dove

11 Candle.jpg

Candle

12 Chalice.jpg

Chalice

13 Angel.jpg

Angel

14 Lamb.jpg

Lamb

15 Heart.jpg

Heart

16 Lion.jpg

Lion

17 Seal.jpg

Luther's Seal