Symbols of Christmas -- 圣诞节的象征（二）

Symbols of Christmas

Discover why stores and churches put up
all those decorations very year.

December 27th 2006

Stars
       Stars are perched atop many Christmas trees. They represent the star that played a special role in the Christmas story. According to this story, a group of Wise Men saw a bright star in the eastern sky. They believed it was a sign that “the king of the Jews” had been born. They followed the star, hoping to find the newborn king. It led them all the way to the home of baby Jesus.
Angels
       Other trees have angels on top. People remember angels at Christmas because they announced Jesus’ birth.
Candy Canes
        Candy canes are popular Christmas treat shaped like a shepherd’s staff. Shepherds were the first ones to hear the angles proclaim the good news about the birth of Jesus.
Gifts
        At Christmas, everyone thinks of giving and receiving gifts. The tradition of gift-giving goes all the way back to the Wise Men. They prepared special gifts for baby Jesus.
        Look for these Christmas symbols as you admire Christmas decorations and ornaments. Your Western friends might not know why their tree has a star on top. But now you know!

Word Bank
Perch (v)放置在......；把......置于（高处）
There are two bluebirds perched on the rooftop.
Newborn (n)新生的，刚出生的
Stacy’s newborn son has a head full of red hair.
Proclaim (v)宣布，宣告
The mayor proclaimed the city a safe place to live after the crime rate went down.
Ornament (n)饰品
Pam buys a new ornament to put on the tree every Christmas.