Kit: Winter Sparkle by Blue Heart Scraps
Template: Christmas Time by Blue Heart Scraps
Font #1: Candlescript
Font #2: Trebuchet MS Bold Italic


Journaling: Christmas, that magical time of year when wishes come true and hearts are filled with excitement and wonder, is quickly approaching. Soon I will pull down the boxes overflowing with ornaments and transform our home into a magical wonderland. Once the transformation is complete I will sit back, pour myself a glass of eggnog, and with a deep sigh of appreciation admire my handiwork. But first I want to take a moment to remember the meaning behind the symbols of Christmas that I so often take for granted.


1) 1) The green tree symbolizes eternal life in Christ. 2) Apples (replaced today by lighter baubles) and the holly branch both represent the blood of Christ, but the apple (or ornament) also symbolizes the fruits of the Holy Spirit while the leaves of the holly branch represent the crown of thorns placed on Christ's brow. 3) Strands of lights and candles symbolize Christ as the Light of the World. 4) The star and angel tree toppers represent the star of Bethlehem and the angel who announced Christ's birth. 5) Gifts are symbolic of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought to the Christ child by the magi. 6) Christmas bells are reminiscent of the bells once worn by Jewish priests. The bells were attached to the hem of a blue robe worn under the ephod. Christmas bells were traditionally placed on the branches of the tree to represent Jesus as the High Priest and the joy of this day. 7) The candy cane, shaped like a shepherd's crook, symbolizes the Good Shepherd. 8) The shape of the poinsettia reminds me once again of the star of Bethlehem shining brightly in the night sky. 9) The wreath formed as a never ending circle is a symbol of true love which never ceases. 10) Finally, I look to the gingerbread man. With the shape of a man and the coloring of mud, this traditional holiday treat is symbolic of God's creation. In each of these simple things is found the true magic of Christmas.