The Mail-Journal, Volume 22, Number 50, Milford, Kosciusko County, 11 December 1985 — Page 14
THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 11,1985
14
[> &'Zj M ‘- \** *. - X^r-^Z " n \ i /Z '' >v «x B ''•?\i./ t. CHRISMONS DATE TO ANCIENT TIMES — Although first used to decorate a tree in a church in Danville, Va., Chrismons have their origins in the symbols used by early Christians for identification. (Photo by Dee Jaynes)
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Drug quiz Question: Illicit drug use in the US remains at a level probably exceeding any nation in the western industrialized world. Drug abuse clearly is a major public health problem, demanding continuing priority attention and concern. How much does drug abuse annually cost American society? a) slomillion b) SIOO million c) $lO billion d) SIOO billion Answer: Studies have shown the total annual cost of drug abuse to society to be close to SIOO billion. Os this figure, approximately sl6 billion is spent on health care, law enforcement, employment, welfare, and social services. Another SBO billion results from the costs of criminal drug trafficking. Correct answer — d jBanned celebration The Massachusetts state legislature banned the celebration of Christmas in 1659.
Chrismon symbols enhance Christmas
By DEE JAYNES Staff Writer The Christinas season is a time rich in celebration, fun and tradition. Santa Claus and his reindeer, twinkling lights, mistletoe and gift giving have all become familiar symbols of the holiday for Americans. For millions of Christians, however, Christmas is first and foremost the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. During this time of great joy within the Christian community, special symbols relating to the birth, death and resurrection of Christ — Chrismons — adorn trees in many churches across the country. Chrismon is a combination of two words: Christ and monogram. Each Chrismon symbol is described in Biblical Scripture and refers to some aspect of Jesus Christ. The Chrismons were first used in 1957 to decorate a Christmas tree in the Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville, Va. Made of white and gold materials, they were the creation of Mrs. Frances Kipp Spencer. The white of the ornaments symbolizes Christ’s purity and perfection, .the gold His majesty, glory and triumph. The green Christmas tree is symbolic of promised healing and the tiny white lights point to Christ as the light of the world. Symbols Date To Beginning Although the use of Chrismons is relatively new, Christian symbols date back to the early beginnings of the church. Often found on the walls of the Roman catacombs, on jewelry and utensils from excavations in Palestine and other area countries, the early Christians used the symbols to identify themselves to one another, to designate meeting places, and sometimes to show nonbelievers their faith. The Chrismons are divided into three categories: Nativity Symbols, relating to the birth of Christ; Passion Symbols, relating in some way to Christ’s death and resurrection; and Symbols of Victory, symbolizing the risen, or victorious Christ.
Nativity Symbols The four Nativity Chrismons include: The Epiphany Star — The fivepointed star referring to the appearance and revelaton of Jesus as the Son of God. The wise men traveled to Jerusalem, guided by the Epiphany Star. The Christmas Rose — Mentioned in Isaiah 35:1-2a, the Christmas Rose has come to represent Jesus as the Messiah. The Manger — When Jesus Christ was born in the stable in Bethlehem, He was first placed in the manger, which has now become one of the most recognized and loved symbols of Christmas. The Angel — Another popular and often-used symbol of Christmas, the angel first brought the news of Christ’s birth to the world. Passion Symbols Although not usually associated with the Christmas season, the Passion Symbols which depict aspects of Christ’s death and resurrection are an important part of the Chrismon tradition. The Chalice — This Chrismon symbolizes the chalice used by Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. The Latin Cross — With its longer upright than crossbar, it is the probable form on which Jesus was crucified; therefore, the foremost symbol of Christianity. The Jerusalem Cross — In the form of a Greek Cross, it has a smaller cross on each comer. The larger cross symbolizes the wounds in Christ’s side and the smaller crosses, the wounds in His hands and feet. The Tau Cross with Serpent — A lesser-known symbol, the Tau Cross with Serpent is a parallel between Christ’s resurrection and an Old Testament story of the Israelites in the wilderness. The Sacrificial Lamb — A reference to Jesus Christ in the Biblical passage John 1:29, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’’ The Butterfly — A symbol of Christ’s death and resurrection ... as the caterpillar emerges from a seemingly lifeless cocoon to become a butterfly, so too did Christ arise from death. The Dove and Shell — Symbolizes the risen Christ and baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Symbols of Victory Perhaps the least known of the Chrismons, the Symbols of Victory depict the victorious Christ, risen from death. The Chi Rho with Alpha and Omega — Chi and Rho are the first two letters of the Greek word “Christos,” or Christ. This is one of the .most ancient of Christian symbols. The word “Chrismon,” when first used, specifically referred to the Chi-Rho of Christ’s monogram. The Fish — The first letters of the Greek word for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” form the Greek word for fish, “Icthus.”
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Biblical reference is to Matthew 4:19. The Shepherd’s Staff — The crook or staff is the shepherd’s tool for guiding his sheep, and therefore, symbolic of Christ, the Good Shepherd. The Cross and Orb — The orb or sphere symbolizes the world, and with a cross, the triumph of
Hosting on International student
“Our son is stationed in Germany, and we would like to know a little more about the country and what he is experiencing,” the caller explained. The conversation preceded a request to Bloomington’s WorldWide Friendship Hospitality Committee that the family be signed up. to host an Indiana University student from Germany at their Christmas dinner this year. Another couple wondered if there were any Chinese students who had signed up for the “Christmas-at-our-house” program. “We are planning a trip to China, and would like to talk to someone about where to go and what to see.” And then there was the high school sophomore who, through his parents, expressed an interest in hosting an Indiana University student with whom he could try out a newly learned foreign language. These are some of the reasons that residents volunteer to share the tradition and customs of an American Christmas with students from other lands. The reasons are “bonus benefits” to the volunteers, whose main purpose is the spirit of “Good will toward all.” “We try to match the students with these requests,” explained Charlotte Webb of WTTS/WGTC radio stations, who is chairman of the Thanksgiving and Christmas part of the hospitality committee’s friendship program. Working through the campus International Center, the group this year is seeking families or individuals who would be willing to share at least one special event during the Christmas holidays — it does not have to be a Christmas day — with one or more of the 225 to 250 international students who signed up for the home visits. Webb stressed that the visitation is not designed to push Christmas as a religious holiday. Many of the students are not Christians, she explained, and would not view the celebration of the birth of Christ with the same interest as their hosts. “What we are pushing is the extension of world-wide. friendship,” she continued, “and that is what the students consider to be important.” Area families who do open their homes to these students, however, are practicing the spirit
Jesus Christ over it. The lota-Chi — This Greek monogram consists of the first letters of the Greek word for “Jesus Christ.” The Crown — The crown symbolizes sovereignty and according to Christians shows that Christ is the ruler over all creation.
of Christmas — giving, sharing, and caring, the project chairman added. Webb said she became involved in the hospitality committee’s efforts after a visit to Madrid, where she was unable to read the signs or understand what the people were saying. The “frustrating feeling,” she later reasoned, was nothing compared to what international students must feel when they take up residence in their new surroundings. These students are fascinating, Webb said. Their English may be limited, but they work very hard at communicating. “They are very interested in what we do, and we should be interested in what they do. The end result is very rewarding.” Lasting friendships often have resulted from these brief encounters once or twice a year, Webb said. Kate Kroll speaks from experience when she says her contacts with the foreign students have been “very positive.” The Kroll family hosted a couple from Iran during the Iranian
Serving our country
GARYM. SMITH Gary M. Smith is the son of David N. and Carolyn R. Smith of Syracuse, and has graduated from the aircraft armament systems specialist course at Lowry Air Force Base, Col. The course provides instruction for students to load nuclear and non-nuclear munitions, explosives and propellan devices on aircraft. During the 13-week cpurse, students were also instructed to maintain, install, modify and repair aircraft bombs and rockets. Smith is scheduled to serve with the 930th Consolidate Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Grissom Air Force Base. He is a 1980 graduate of Wawasee High School. JOHN C. LAYTON John C. Layton is the son of John and Marion Layton of r 3, Syracuse, and has completed recruit training at recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, 111. During Layton’s eight-week training cycle, he studied general military subjects designed to
The Lamb with the Victory Banner — This Chrismon depicts the victorious Christ. The Circle with IHS — The circle, once again symbolizing the perfectness of Jesus Christ, also symbolizes eternity, completeness and perfection. The lota-Eta-Sigma monogram consists of the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus.
crisis. “We were concerned that no one would want them. It turned out to be a very interesting Christmas.” She also has participated for many years in the second part of the hospitality committee’s activities — that of hosting students from other countries throughout their stay at Indiana University. One of their “adopted” students was the father of British rock star Mick Jagger when the older Jagger, Joe, was at IU in 1967-68, studying for a master’s degree in recreation and park administration. Kate and her husband, Bill, who is executive director of lU’s radio-television services, later went to England and their friendship with Joe Jagger opened doors for them, including the one to Mick Jagger’s office in London. “This is only une of the many side benefits of hosting an international student,” she said. More Christmas host families are needed. To volunteer, call Webb at 812-332-3366; Becky McColley, 812-333-7342, or Fran Lovell, 812-336-6612.
prepare him for further academic and on-the-job training in one of the Navy’s 85 basic fields. Layton’s studies included seamenship, close order drill, Naval history and first aid. Personnel who compete this course of instruction are eligible for three hours of college credit in physical education and hygiene. Layton is a 1985 graduate of Wawasee High School, joining the Navy last July. DAMIEN A. CARBONEAU Damien A. Carboneau is the son of Arthur L. and Keitha M. Carboneau of 500 S. Harrison, Syracuse, and has been assigned to Sheppard Air F.orce Base, \ Texas, after completing Air Force basic training. During the six at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations. The airman will now receive specialized instruction in the aircraft maintenance field. His wife, Ginger, is the daughter of William and Marcia Grover of 2839 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph, Mich. He received an associate degree in 1985 from Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac. Meat inspection services withdrawn The withdrawal of meat inspection services from the Churchill Meat Company, Pittsburgh, Pa., has been ordered withdrawn. Donald Houston, administrator of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, stated that, “A USDA administrative law judge issued the withdrawal order as a result of the conviction of the company and its president, Jack Lebovitz, in US District Court. The ground meat was adulterated because it contained soy, which is a prohibited ingredient in this product. Since the soy was not listed as an ingredient on the label, the product was also misbranded.” Under federal law, USDA can seek withdrawal of inspection services if a company, or any official responsibly connected with the company, is convicted of any felony or more than one misdemeanor related to the handling of food. White blood cells and cancer CHICAGO — People with high white blood cell counts are at an increased risk of cancer and coronary heart disease, and the levels could give doctors away of predicting the diseases, according to a new study. Shop , Locally jF 1 First! HMST NATKMAI K%XK oFVAitfwr *
