Mount Andrew Methodist Church is beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. The doors were open during the Floyd Dale Christmas Parade for visitors. There was a cross on the door made of greenery. Coming into the foyer, there was a table with a nativity and other items to remind us of Jesus birth and a bow on a picture of the church in its beginnings on the wall. As you entered the sanctuary, there was a table with many different nativity scenes. These were brought by the members, and wach was a unique display of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. On the wall was a beautiful wreath. Long garlands hung across the altar rail. Beside the podium was an advent wreath. Poinsettias were on the altar. There was a bench up front filled with stuffed bears and other animals. This was a tradition started by the late Sarah Arnette. The teddy bears are collected and given to children in the hospital at Christmas. The highlight was the beautiful Chrismon tree. The late Fran Snipes made all of the ornaments for the tree. The ornaments have special meanings. They handed out a sheet with the meanings. It reads:
Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christmas symbols on them. They remind us that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth. Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. White is the liturgical (or church) color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes his majesty and glory.
The angel reminds us that angels told the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.
The lamb is a symbol for Jesus who is sometimes called “The Lamb of God.”
The lamp represents Jesus is the Light of the World.
Praying hands help us to remember to pray to God. Jesus taught that we should also pray.
The Star of Bethlehem (eight pointed star) is the star that guided the wise men to the place were Jesus was. It was the most brilliant of all stars. (Matthew 2: 9-10)
The manger represents Jesus as a baby at Christmas.
The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples.
The circle is a symbol for eternity. It also symbolizes the love of God. It has not end.
The crown on the top of the tree is the symbol that Jesus is the King. It shows that Jesus is ruler over heaven and earth.
Mount Andrew Methodist Church is located at 3000 Stackhouse Road, Dillon. Sunday morning worship is at 9:30 a.m.
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Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
