The Chrismon Tree

A Christmas Remembrance 
by Janis Ruggles

As I worship on Sundays and feast my eyes on the chrismon tree so beautifully decorated with Christian symbols,  I remember so many of the ladies who helped make those chrismons.

It was in the 1980's and the tree in the sanctuary was usually filled with mittens and gloves from the Hanging of the Greens service.  A member, long since moved away, handed me a chrismon book and said, "these would look so lovely on the tree at Christmas.  Why not get a group of ladies of the church together and make them?  The patterns are all in this book and the explanation of each one."

I studied the book, went to a craft store and purchased all of the gold and silver, glitter, ribbon, and all that it took to make them. So we began.  I explained to the Methodis Women the plan and we made arrangements to meet in the fellowship hall and so it began, what was to become a very meaningful and worthwhile endeavor.

Each chrismon has a meaning for me as I know who made each one and what a wonderful time we had doing it all. Finally, Blanche Frazier invited us all to her home for lunch each time we worked on them.  Her daughter also met with us and after a delightful meal, we began our work.  The first Christmas the tree was decorated at the altar with the chrismons was a happy time for me.  Blanche had moved to Florida for the winter, so I took pictures of the altar and the tree and sent them to her.

That was over 20 years ago.  We still enjoy the tree each year, although Blanche, Marie Landis, Katherine Cocanower, Florence Peterson, Lois Armentrout, and others are not with us, it is a memorable time for me. 

Each venture we take on has a direct impact on the future of the church.  If it is inspired by God and His Spirit, it cannot fail.  Each person who does a special something for others to enjoy is blessed beyond words.  I can relate to that.

May our chrismon tree burn brightly for years to come and bless others as they worship through the Christmas season.