Star - The star is the heavenly sign of the promise of a savior to the world. As Swami always says an Avatar comes to the world when the world needs it the most. Thus the star is the sign of God's fullfilment of His promise. So too as Sai devotees, when we look upon the star, we should think of Swami's mission here to save us from this endless cycle of birth and death.

The Color Red / The Color of Christmas - Red was first used by the faithful people as a reminder of the blood shed by Jesus Chist for all people. Thus red should remind us to always engage in good activity so that Swami does not suffer for our sakes.

Christmas Tree - The stately fir tree is evergreen, remaining pure green all year round. This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is also youthful, hopeful, and the abundant color of nature. The christmas tree reminds us of our soul which is God and ever permanent. Everything else around us changes but our "real self" never changes. Thus when we look at the tree, we should think of the truth "Tat Twam Asi" (That thou art). As the needles of the tree point upwards, we too should point our thoughts upward and Godward.

Bell - As a shepherd uses a bell to find lost sheep, we too should be reminded of our journey back "Home". We are lost in the world of endless illusions and when we hear the bell, let it guide us and remind us that we need to go back to our dear Lord. We need to "Hurry Home".

Christmas Lights and Candles - Lights and candles are mirrors of starlight. Just as the star is a sign of our dear Avatar so too are candles and lights. They must remind us that we are but a speck of light of the great ocean of light. We must spread this Divine light to one and all just as Swami teaches us during "jyoti" (light) meditation.

Candy Cane - The candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. Swami is our shepherd holding the crook leading us, his straying sheep out of this world of "maya" (illusion) and back to the flock. The red again represents Christ's blood and the white represents God's purity and redemption.

Holly Wreath - The wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of Love: it never ceases. It is one continuous round of affection, commitment and caring. When we look at the wreath, we should think of Swami's infinite love for us and we must spread that love to one and all, treating all as our own brothers and sisters; the kind of love that never ends in all circumstances and situations. Swami has put it so simply for us "Love all, serve all". Again the wreath is made of fir which is evergreen - the nature of permanence and eternity.

Let's always celebrate Christmas by realizing it's true meaning and thus appreciating the Holiday season even more while drawing ourselves closer to Swami through the "true meaning of Christmas".