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A Chrismon is a Christian symbol intended to represent the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The term "Chrismon" comes from the Latin phrase "Christi Monogramma", meaning "monogram of Christ". By definition, the literal monogram of Christ is commonly known as "Chi Rho", which is the Greek letters Χ ("chi") superimposed upon Ρ ("rho"). These were all designed by Gail Keffer.
1. Butterfly - Symbol of Resurrection
2. Fish - IXOYC - First letters of the Greek words for Jesus Christ, Son of God.
3. Crown - "For He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings: Rev. 17:14
4. Lamp "Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
5. Anchor Cross - "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" Hebrews 6:19
Click here for instructions on items 1-5.
6. Latin Cross - This most common of all Christian symbols reminds us of the supreme sacrifice offered by Jesus for the sins of the world. The cross is empty to remind us of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.
the world." John 1:29
8. Manger - "Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12
9. Chalice - "This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:20
10. Star - 5 points - "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." Matthew 9-10
Click here for instructions on items 6-10.
12. Descending Dove - “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.” Matthew 3:16 (NIV)
13. Trefoil - A combination of a triangle and three circles, the trefoil is a stylized shamrock that was used by St. Patrick to illustrate the Trinity.
15. Bible, Alpha & Omega – “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Revelation 1: 8 in the King James Version
16. Bible, INRI - “And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’” John 18: 19-22.
Click here for instructions on items 11-16.
17. Chi Rho - Chi Rho are the first two letters in the Greek spelling of Christ. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek, chi - ch and rho - r.
18. Scallop Shell II - The shell when shown with three water drops is a symbol of the baptism of Christ.
19. Ship - “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:37-41
20. Celtic Cross - The Celtic Cross is most often associated with the Irish church. The circle and the Celtic Cross are a symbol of eternity.
21. Candle - "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Click here for instructions on items 17-21.
22. Alpha & Omega - “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Revelation 1: 8 in the King James Version
23. Rose of Sharon – “I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys” Song of Solomon 2:1
24. Fish, Simple - “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
25. Torch – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Click here for instructions on items 22-25.
26. Star - 6 Points - “I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and shining Star.” Rev. 22:16
Click here for instructions on items 26+
*Other designs are also available, but the graphic work is not yet complete. They will be available with pictures very soon.
The Chrismons and Christian Symbols shown here were designed by Gail Keffer. They are shown on the Christmas tree at Clen-Moore Presbyterian Church, New Castle, PA where we attend. All the ornaments are done on plastic canvas and so all ages were able to work on being a part of this celebration of Christ's birth. I know that for it to be a true Chrismon, it must be in gold and white only. Some of them have another color, usually a liturgical color. Directions for each ornament are given along with needlepoint stitches and diagrams. Our designs are given here with instructions so that other churches may learn about and enjoy these symbols of our faith in Jesus Christ. Together, we can "Go, tell it on the mountain."
Please click here to go to general instructions for needlepoint on plastic canvas.
We seek to help spread the Word of God as revealed in Scripture - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20
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