A Chrismon tree is an evergreen tree often placed in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide. The Chrismon tree was first used by North American Lutherans in 1957, although the practice has spread to other Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, and the Reformed. As with the ordinary Christmas tree, the evergreen tree itself, for Christians, "symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides". However, the Chrismon tree differs from the traditional Christmas tree in that it "is decorated only with clear lights and Chrismons made from white and gold material", the latter two being the liturgical colours of the Christmas season.
A Chrismon tree in the nave of St Alban's Anglican Cathedral in Oviedo
Image: Christmas Tree at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church
Image: Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary of a Catholic church
Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity. The name was adopted from Latin adventus "coming; arrival", translating Greek parousia from the New Testament, originally referring to the Second Coming.
Lighting the candles of an Advent wreath in a church service
A representation of Saint Perpetuus
Rorate Mass in Prague Cathedral, Czech Republic
Celebration of a Advent vespers. Cope and antependium are violet, the liturgical colour of Advent in the Roman Rite.