Christmas

Christmons
Christmas Tree Chrismons   Our Christmas Trees have decorations called Chrismons (CHRIST = MONogram) that that proclaim our Lord Jesus Christ through the use of symbols.  The Chrismons Tree originated at Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, VA in 1957. They hold the copyright on the word "chrismons".


Christmas Pictures 2025-2021

Christmas Quiz

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Christmas Day(Series C)

December
Wednesday
25
2024


Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-12
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18


Sermon Summary

Pastor Eric Klemme preached from 1John 4 on God’s perfect love revealed in Jesus Christ. He emphasized that love is not something we create or master on our own, but the gift of God, most clearly shown in sending His Son to be our Savior. While the world’s versions of love are fleeting or self-serving, God’s agape love is unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring. Pastor Klemme reminded us that this love equips us, through the Spirit and the means of grace, to love even our enemies and to live as witnesses of Christ’s peace. At Christmas, we celebrate not only Christ’s first coming but also prepare in faith for His second coming, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is true love in action.



Christmas Eve(Series C)

December
Tuesday
24
2024

Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18

Sermon Summary

Pastor Eric Klemme preached from 1John 4 on God’s perfect love revealed in Jesus Christ. He emphasized that love is not something we create or master on our own, but the gift of God, most clearly shown in sending His Son to be our Savior. While the world’s versions of love are fleeting or self-serving, God’s agape love is unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring. Pastor Klemme reminded us that this love equips us, through the Spirit and the means of grace, to love even our enemies and to live as witnesses of Christ’s peace. At Christmas, we celebrate not only Christ’s first coming but also prepare in faith for His second coming, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is true love in action.



Christmas Eve(Series B)

December
Sunday
24
2023


Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18

Sermon Summary

In this Christmas sermon, Family Life Minister Curtis reflects on the joy and anticipation of Christmas, connecting it to God’s redemptive plan revealed through the Nativity narratives of Matthew, Luke, and John. Using the story of The Three Trees to illustrate God’s purpose and the fulfillment of salvation, he emphasizes that Christmas is a prelude to Easter, highlighting Christ’s fully human and fully divine nature. Matthew connects Jesus to Old Testament prophecy, Luke emphasizes His arrival as Savior for all people, and John shows that the Word became flesh to dwell among us. The sermon reminds believers that Christmas is not just about tradition or gifts but about God’s gift of reconciliation, redemption, and the light of Christ entering the world, calling us to reflect His love throughout the year.



Christmas Day(Series B)

December
Monday
25
2023


Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)


Sermon Summary

In this Christmas Day sermon, Family Life Minister Curtis emphasizes that the true spirit of Christmas is found in Christ, not in cultural traditions or human morality. Using Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as an illustration, he contrasts false righteousness with the gift of salvation through Jesus, who came to conquer sin and death. The sermon highlights that Christ’s birth, as foretold in Isaiah, establishes God’s kingdom of justice and mercy. True celebration involves abiding in Christ, sharing His love, helping neighbors, and teaching His Word, rather than merely observing festive customs or pursuing self-righteousness.



Christmas Eve(Series A)

December
Saturday
24
2022


Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18

Sermon Summary

In this Christmas Eve sermon, Pastor Ray emphasizes that the birth of Jesus brings true peace and joy to our lives, far beyond the temporary comforts or busyness of the holiday season. Using the nativity story and the example of the 1914 Christmas Truce in World War I, he illustrates how Christ’s coming transforms ordinary circumstances and gives peace that surpasses human understanding. By believing in Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection, we can experience peace with God and extend that peace to others. Pastor Ray urges listeners to center their hearts on Christ this Christmas and allow Him to transform their lives.



Christmas Day(Series A)

December
Sunday
25
2022


Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)


Sermon Summary

In this Christmas Day sermon, Pastor Ray recounts the nativity story from the perspective of a shepherd who witnessed the birth of Jesus. He emphasizes the wonder and fear of encountering God’s holiness, the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth, and the shepherds’ immediate response to seek and share the good news. The sermon highlights that Christmas is about celebrating the miracle of God taking on human flesh, the Savior born for all, and our call to be witnesses of His life, death, and resurrection through faith and sharing the Gospel.



Christmas Eve(Series C)

December
Friday
24
2021

Mary's Story: Luke 1:26-38
Caesar's Decree: Luke 2:1-7
Shepherds and Angels: Luke 2:8-14
Shepherd's Jubilee: Luke 2:15-17
John's Nativity: John 1:1-18

Sermon Summary



Christmas Day(Series C)

December
Saturday
25
2021


Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 1:1-12
Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14

Sermon Summary



Christmas Pictures 2020-2016

Poinsettias
Help to provide poinsettias for the Sanctuary in celebration of Christmas by donating $10 for a poinsettia. We can receive you gift through an envelope in the offering plate or online at shalimar.church/give.

The poinsettias association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday. So she gathered green foliage and place them in front of the church altar where red blossoms miraculously sprouted from the greenery. The plant was introduced to the United States by the first US Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, in the 1820's.

The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and the red color represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus's crucifixion.



Christmas Pictures 2015-2011

Christmas Tree Decorating
The Altar Guild beautifies the sanctuary for Advent to include setting up and decorating the Christmas trees with handmade Chrismons. Chrismons (Christ monograms) are ornaments based on symbols of Christ including monograms of Jesus' name in Greek. The Chrismons Tree originated at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA in 1957.


Christmas Pictures 2010-2009