…Mistletoe The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. There are a great variety of species of mistletoe; most of them are evergreen and bear their fruit (generally either red or white berries) in the early winter. Since Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Mary and Joseph The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. During the Christmas season, Jesus is most often portrayed as an infant closely attended by his parents. Mary and Joseph are an essential part of the Nativity scene. Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Candy Canes The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. Also, as a teaching tool, you can download our handout on the symbolism of candy canes. The traditional Christmas candy cane is white with red stripes and flavored with Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Bells The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. Bells have long had an intimate association with Christian churches. In many parts of the country today, their ringing can still be heard every Sunday, and throughout Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…The Year of Jesus’ Birth The year of Christ’s birth may seem obvious, since modern calendars note the years before his birth as BC (Before Christ) and the years after his birth as AD (Anno Domini, Latin for the “Year of the Lord”). Yet, Christ’s birth did not fall perfectly Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Great Seal of the United States On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress of the newly independent nation formed a committee with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to “bring in a device for a seal for the United States of America” (Congressional Resolution, July 4, 1776). The task proved to be far more Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Christmas Trees The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. Lighted trees were certainly used in various pagan religious celebrations throughout history, but contrary to popular belief, there does not appear to be any direct link Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Doves The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. The dove has long been viewed as a symbol of peace. Surely, the concept of peace is relevant to Christmas. After all, Jesus was born into the world to bring peace Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Light The following text is drawn from our featured Christmas book and is also available for free as audio. The Bible records that God is “resplendent with light” and “wraps himself in light as with a garment.” Sadly, as a consequence of sin, Adam and Eve, and all Read more . . …. Read more . . .

…Snowflake Crunch Recipe The below recipe incorporates the Christmas symbol of snow and makes a sweet crunchy snack. Visit our Christmas Symbols page to learn more about the symbolism and meaning of snow/snowflakes at Christmas. Ingredients: 12 oz. white chocolate candy coating* 1/2 cup lightly salted Read more . . …. Read more . . .