A PUZZLE OF CHRISTMAS
SYMBOLS
By: Alicia Z. Klepeis
You have likely heard the
expression, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Use the clues below to help
you determine how Jesus is related to the symbols and decorations we see at
Christmastime.
Directions:
The answers to the following questions are written in code form. For each
space, you will need to go back one letter in the alphabet from the letter that
has been written. J E S U
S
For
ex: if you see ___ ___ ___ ___ ___, the solution is ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
K F
T V T
Note:
There are also facts about each symbol written below the puzzle blocks.
1. The
circular shape of this symbol symbolizes God’s eternal love for His people.
____
____ ____ ____ ____ ____
X
S F B
U I
(Fact: These
are often displayed on the front doors of people’s homes and churches.)
2. The
burning of this symbol represents Jesus as the light of the world.
____
____ ____ ____ ____ ____
D
B O E
M F
(Fact: Around
the globe, people display these in their windows on Christmas Eve, as a
symbolic beacon for the Holy Family in their quest for shelter.)
3. In
the spirit of giving that is Christmas, Christian families often give these to
friends as gifts, as well as enjoying them during holiday gatherings.
____
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
D
P P L
J F T
(Fact:
Northern Europe’s Pfeffernüsse,
Holland’s speculaas, and Germany’s Lebkuchen and Springerle are regional examples of this food item.)
4. The evergreen quality of this holiday symbol
reminds us of Christ’s immortality.
____
____ ____ ____ ____
I
P M M
Z
(Fact: In
Denmark, this plant is known as Kristdorn
or “Christ thorn.”)
5. Many families, as well as churches and larger
communities, display these in their homes as a recreation of the Gospel
accounts of Jesus’ birth.
____
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
____ ____ ____ ____
O
B U J
W J
U Z T D
F O F
(Fact: In
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the community builds one of these from sand, moss,
tree stumps, evergreen trees and more.)
6. This symbol
reminds us of Matthew’s Gospel account describing the Magi’s journey to
Bethlehem.
____
____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____
____ ____ ____
D
I S J
T U N
B T T U
B S
(Fact:
Christians around the world also use this symbol to decorate their homes or
Christmas trees.)
7. The
red stripes of this symbol represent Christ’s blood, while the white ones stand
for His purity.
____
____ ____ ____ ____ ____
____ ____ ____
D
B O E
Z D
B O F
(Fact:
These edible symbols have been around for hundreds of years. The mint flavor is
similar to hyssop, an herb used back in biblical times.)
©2012 Alicia Z. Klepeis
