ADVENT DAY 21: Chrismon Trees

In this episode of the Church Potluck Advent Calendar, Dale is joined by Rev. Dr. Valerie Loner, pastor of Rome First United Methodist Church, for a thoughtful and warm conversation about the Chrismon Tree—a familiar Advent symbol whose meaning is often seen but not always understood. Together, they explore how this white-and-gold tree, adorned with repeated Christian symbols, invites worshipers to slow down and reflect on who Christ truly is during a season often crowded with noise and consumerism. Dr. Loner shares her own journey of discovering the Chrismon Tree as an adult, the surprisingly recent origins of the tradition in the 1950s, and how it was created as a teaching tool to refocus Christmas on Christ. From ancient symbols like the Chi-Rho, Alpha and Omega, and the fish, to the joy of handmade ornaments crafted by children, this episode reminds listeners that Advent is a season of wonder—and that sometimes new traditions help us rediscover timeless truths. 

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