Merry Christmas Banners
Christmas is a joyous occasion, and churches across the U.S. are using banners and other marketing tools to reinforce the true message of the season.
Christmas is traditionally known as a religious holiday, but over time, its pop culture and commercial appeal invited anyone from any religious background to participate in the festivities. Ranging from ugly sweater parties, trips to the mall to visit Santa Claus or cookie swaps, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas.
Some may call it a time for reflection, as many Christians are reminded about the miracle of Jesus Christ’s birth, but many parishes around the United States increase their efforts to ensure we keep his birthday in mind, as well as the events that followed his birth.
Depending on the church, how these religious organizations prepare for Christmas greatly differ from one another. One place may have zero decorations, while others may be filled with poinsettias and wreaths. At the First Presbyterian in Plain view, Texas, churchgoers come together to design handmade Christmas banners, describing each aspect of the journey Jesus’ parents went through. This display of respect for the holiday season is actually shown in multiple ways.
“Years ago, Barbara Hunt organized women of the church to make the banners,” church secretary Karen Hawkins told the Plain view Daily Herald.
The news source continues to explain how other recognized Christmas decorations were originally used by churches around the world to prepare for Jesus’ homecoming. Poinsettias, for example, have been associated with Mexican gatherings since the 16th century.
Despite the wide range of Christmas-related activities happening between the months of November and December, many congregations are doing their part to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas, even when it appears that the message has become more distant year after year. Whether it be through the use of banners, decals or specific decorations, some churches have found the effectiveness of utilizing specific colors as well.
“Advent used to be more like Lent, a time of reflection,” Pastor Peter Harrington of Trinity Lutheran Church, explained. “Purple is the color of penance. Blue, however, stands for hope.”