by Greg | Feb 26, 2013 | Blog Posts
Celtic Cross The Celtic Cross is a favorite for many, but there is no one, definitive image of the Celtic Cross. Instead there are many variations of the same theme. Its basic structure is a Latin Cross with a circle surrounding the intersection. Often the Celtic Cross is decorated with interlace and symbols pointing to the Trinity. Tradition holds that Saint Patrick introduced this cross in Ireland by combining the traditional cross with the sun cross in order to show the pagans Christ dominance over the “pagan sun.” “The mighty one, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.” (Psalm 50:1) Prayer: Lord of heaven and earth, be Lord of my life. From the rising of the sun to its setting, be Lord of my life today and all my days that when my day on earth comes to an end I may begin anew in Your eternal day....
by Greg | Feb 25, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross Flamant One of the more exotic of cross designs, the Cross Flamant gives the impression of its arms in flames. This symbolizes religious zeal and ardor. Such a cross can be associated with the veneration of saints and martyrs in various Christian traditions. Truthfully I do not recalling seeing this cross in use except for in books describing the cross. Nevertheless it makes a striking statement of fervor and passion. “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) Prayer: Set our hearts afire Lord, set our hearts afire. When our zeal fades; When our passion is muted; When our vision dims; We ask that you rekindle our spirits, that we may live, love and serve with a holy fervor....
by Greg | Feb 24, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Latin Cross By far the most common and widely used of Christian crosses, the Latin Cross is intended to be a simple symbol of the crucifixion of Jesus. Unadorned, it can serve as a stark reminder of sacrifice and death. This depiction invites us to bring our interpretation. Neither beautiful nor repulsive, it is a simple marking of claim. It is not what we bring to the cross that deserves our contemplation, but rather what we leave at the cross. “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) Prayer: In our weakness O Lord Your grace is perfected. It is all there in the shadow of the cross. And this is such a relief. I no longer have to be strong enough, smart enough, brave enough, good enough. You God are enough and that is enough....
by Greg | Feb 23, 2013 | Blog Posts
Triparted Fleuree Cross Triparted describes the three horizontal and three vertical arms of the cross, and Fleuree describes the endings of the arms which resemble the fleur-de-lis. The focus on three and the use of the fleur-de-lis emphasizes the Trinity and is most appropriate for the Pentecost and Trinity season. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” (2 Corinthians 13:13) Prayer: Father, Son and Holy Spirit; it is all to wonderful, to complex, to mysterious to understand it all. That is why sit in silent gratitude and holy contemplation....
by Greg | Feb 22, 2013 | Blog Posts
St. Andrew’s Cross This cross is shaped as a simple “X” and is often seen on state flags, shields, and coats of arms. It is named after Andrew who introduced his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus. According to tradition Andrew was martyred in Greece by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross. In Christian art, he is usually represented holding or leaning on an X-shaped cross. It was Andrew who introduced Peter to Jesus and is therefore considered the first “missionary.” “He [Andrew] first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41) Prayer: For those whose simple acts and humbles ways showed to us Jesus, we are grateful. For those who through words spoken and unspoken revealed to us Jesus, we are thankful. For those who have found what has made them whole and has illuminated our search, we are forever more changed. In the name of the Changless One....
by Greg | Feb 21, 2013 | Blog Posts
I miscalculated the days, erroneously counting Sunday. Sunday of Lent is a Feast Day and therefore not counted as part of the 40 Lenten Days. The Jerusalem Cross Today all over the Holy Land the Jerusalem Cross has come to symbolize Christianity for pilgrims and locals alike. They can be found as souvenirs as well as marking ancient churches and catacombs. As with all symbols, the meaning of the Jerusalem Cross has evolved and multiplied over the centuries. It is a combination of four Tau Crosses, symbolic of the Old Testament, and four Greek Crosses, symbolic of the New Testament. The Jerusalem Cross is most often associated with Jesus’ commission to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, that is, the four corners of the world. Additionally the small crosses symbolize the wounds of Christ’s hands and feet, and the larger cross representing the wound to his side. Finally the four small crosses can be interpreted as the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. One Cross, many meanings. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” (Psalm 122:6) Prayer: Prince of Peace we pray for peace: peace in the land we call “Holy”; peace in our own land and peace to the four corners of the earth. We pray too for peace in our hearts; peace that only You can fully give....
by Greg | Feb 20, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Cross Pattee This cross is easily recognized today and was a decorative cross widely used throughout Continental Europe. The Cross Pattee is not an “ancient” cross, first appearing during the medieval period. The cross comes in various forms, and I could not find much religious explanation behind it. Instead it was used as a show of political and military strength among the various European empires. It now has reached new popularity as a fashion symbol and can be found practically everywhere including clothing, jewelry and tattoos. Can the cross be too common? Or is this a symbol where the cross has been “co-opted” for our own purposes and uses? I suppose it all depends on how we really see, and take on the cross in our own walk. “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14) Prayer: Lord the Cross is terrifying and inspiring; the cross is ugly and beautiful; the cross is burdensome yet liberating. As you call on us to pick up the cross, may we also come to understand all its complexities and live faithfully in our earthly pilgrimage....
by Greg | Feb 19, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Passion Cross The Passion Cross is distinguished by the pointed ends on the arms. It is also known as the Cross of Suffering, Cross Urdee, or the Cross Champain. It is often used as a symbol for Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. Coupled with a chalice, the Passion Cross is symbolic of the agony of Gethsemane. Palm Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday where we remember not only Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but the suffering he would face. It was a necessary journey that Jesus made alone, yet we too are called to deny self, pick up the cross and follow. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39) Prayer: God of Gethsemane who weeps over our brokenness, look up our own tears and grant to us the fortitude to face our days of trial and temptation. And when we fall, we look to you for mercy and restoration....
by Greg | Feb 18, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross and Orb Frequently adopted by Christian groups and mission societies, the Cross and Orb points to the sufficiency of Christ as Savior. The orb symbolizes the world, surmounted by the cross, symbolizing the triumph of the Savior over the sin of the world. It was John the Baptist who declared the truth, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Prayer: Remind me Blessed Savior that you have taken away not only the sins of the world, but my sin too. Remind me Lord of Salvation that I no longer have to bear the weight of the world. Grace me, Holy Redeemer, with the strength to love you by loving my neighbor in this world....
by Greg | Feb 17, 2013 | Blog Posts
Ankh Cross One of the most popular and well known crosses through the ages is the Ankh Cross and it is known by many names. Sometimes it is referred to as the Ansate Cross or Looped Cross, and is Egyptian in origin. As with many ancient symbols, it was taken over into Christian art and retained its ancient meaning of life and regeneration. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18) Prayer: Forgive our clutching to power which only diminishes life – our own and others. Strengthen our hearts, Giver of Life, that we may look to the cross and see Your power, Your promise, and Your gift of eternal life....
by Greg | Feb 16, 2013 | Blog Posts
Chi Rho Cross This cross is one of the earliest symbols of Christian use. Using the Greek letters “X” or chi and “P” or rho, the Chi Rho Cross is a stylized monogram. It is the abbreviation of XPICTOC or “Christos”, the Greek word for Christ. Its shape also resembles the crook of a shepherd’s staff, which has a number of symbolic possibilities, including Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The symbol is one of my favorites because it serves as an apt reminder of my own calling as a shepherd to my congregations, bearing the yoke of Christ. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.” (John 10:14) Prayer:“Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine. Whoever I am, thou knowest, O God, I am thine.” – Dietrich...
by Greg | Feb 15, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross Crosslet This cross is composed of four Latin crosses arranged in such a manner that their bases overlap. The Cross Crosslet is often associated with the liturgical season of Epiphany, which affirms that Jesus is revealed as the Son of God. The four crosses symbolize the four corners of the earth and the spreading of the Gospel to the world. “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Prayer: Your Word, like the four winds O Lord, covers the world. Your Word is the Creative Word; your Word is the Saving Word; your Word is the Forgiving Word; Your Word is Love. Thank You for Your Word, spoken deep in our hearts and throughout Your creation....
by Greg | Feb 14, 2013 | Blog Posts
Each day of Lent it is my intention to share with you a different image and reflection of the cross, followed by a prayer. Today let us refelct on the Tau Cross. Tau Cross The name comes from the cross’s resemblance of the Greek letter T. Tradition has it as the form of the staff which Moses raised up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Other names for this symbol are Cross of the Old Testament, Prophetic Cross, and Anticipatory Cross. This cross is also the form often represented in paintings for the two thieves crucified on either side. “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-16) Hear and believe the Good News: In a world of pretentious posturing and survival of the fittest, we do not have to weary ourselves any longer with being good enough, smart enough, rich enough or talented enough. It is enough to look up, be loved and believe. Christ is enough, today and all our days. Prayer: O God may my thoughts and words; actions and intentions hold your love high that the world may see your magnanimous love....
by Greg | Feb 13, 2013 | Blog Posts
Today we begin the forty day journey of Lent. It is a journey that will lead us – followers and stragglers of Jesus – to the cross. The cross was at one time a symbol of terror and domination. Its purpose was to strike fear and imperial suppression against anyone who dared to threaten Rome. One man did, and suffered beneath the cross. Through the centuries since the crucifixion of Jesus the cross has been elevated from a symbol of torture and defeat, to the marking of disciples. The cross has been adorned, decorated, beautified, trivialized, but also has served to indentify and set apart believers. During Lent I will be sharing different shapes the cross has taken, along with some of its symbolic meanings. Regardless of how we see and picture the cross, we have been invited to bear the cross and follow Jesus. It is the only way to Easter. On Ash Wednesday young and old are invited to come forward and by marked with the cross in ashes. We share the words, “…you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19) We are surrounded by silly symbols of our anxieties that oftentimes are manifested in over-consumption and violence. Yet we are all, in the end, destined to be no more than a can of ashes on this earth. Ash Wednesday and Lent call on us to ignore the anxious voices that cannot believe in anything but the self, and listen to the voice of the One, who out of dust, breathed in each the breath of life. There will come a day when our...
by Greg | Feb 8, 2013 | Blog Posts
How do you picture forgiveness? Are you in need of forgiveness? Do you struggle to forgiven another? Why do we need to forgive? For Lent (and two weeks prior to Lent) I am focusing for my Wednesday evening Bible Study as series on “Faces of Forgiveness.” Below are my notes for the last two weeks. Please overlook grammatical and spelling errors. We know about it and we hear about it and sometimes we see it, but do we believe it? In 2006 the Amish community in Pennsylvania had a school shooting that killed five children. They went very public with their need to forgive. Or… Do you recall when the now infamous runaway bride of Duluth returned home, talk radio pundits and the call in public took their shots and jabs, but the fiancé spoke of forgiveness. And the media and public alike ridiculed him, as if such an act was a sign of stupidity. Forgiveness? Does it really exist? Or maybe it would be better to say is it really possible? I am convinced that at the root of any poisoned or broken relationship is the failure to forgive. Please understand this: for the Christian believer, forgiveness is not an option, it is rarely easy, it does not come natural, and it will be hard work. What did Jesus say about Forgiveness? Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors… 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 18:...
by Greg | Jan 23, 2013 | Blog Posts
There and Back Again” is the subtitle to J.R.R. Tolkien’s tale of hobbits, goblins and wizards in The Hobbit. There and back again has been my theme after ten days of travel through the Holy Land, seeing where the Bible comes alive over the rolling waters of the Sea of Galilee and the bustling streets of Jerusalem. Our group had wandered far and now we have wandered home. One of the things I like about traveling is enjoying local foods. In Texas I appreciate beef barbeque (no substitute for pork, but it will do). In India I could not get my fill of curry. I do not need to even comment on the sheer volume of raw oysters I consume when vacationing near Apalachicola. I have never had goulash like I ate in Hungary. Readers of my blog know that while wandering through the Holy Land I did not tire of pita bread, falafel, hummus and other tahini laced dishes. No matter where I wander off to, however, it is always good to wander back home. Give me biscuits and country-fried steak and I know that I am at home. Wherever you find yourself wandering, I say wander with a purpose. God has created a wonderful world for us to see and experience. The psalmist sings: “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (24.1) You do not have to touch the Jordan River or pray at the Western Wall to be closer to God. You just need to look up, look around, and look forward for God is before you...
by Greg | Jan 17, 2013 | Blog Posts
Today was our “free” day which meant to guided tours (or tour buses) and only breakfast and suppers was scheduled. In spite of having good intentions to sleep in, I was up and at it after six hours rest. Apparently everyone else was too because our folks were all having breakfast by 7:30. I cannot speak for the others but I spent the day primarily wandering the streets of the Old City in Jerusalem. Most others were doing the same because I ran into folks I knew throughout the day. This was also a time to catch up on buying last minute knick-knacks. One merchant wanted to sell me an item that started out at $120. By the time I left his shop he sold it to me for $25. In another store a merchant wanted $35 for an item and even though he blocked the doorway from me exiting I walked out and he chased me down the street to sell it to me for the $5 I originally set. By the time we all returned (or most of us anyway!) for supper, everyone was chattering excitedly about their adventures. Tonight we packed up and prepared for our flight home. This will be my last blog entry for our Holy Land Wanderings. Thank you all for reading and sharing in our great pilgrimage. this has been extraordinarily special to share this place and journey with so many from our church. I am blessed...
by Greg | Jan 16, 2013 | Blog Posts
I have noticed that I have been posting the wrong date corresponding with the actual event – sorry about the confusion. This article is about yesterday’s travels on the 15th (of course who knows what day my body thinks it is. The sermon this Sunday should be interesting to say the least!) This is the day that everyone realizes that touring the Holy Land is hard work even if it is on an airconditioned Coach and not a camel. Nevertheless we were determined to make our last day of pilgrimage (tomorrow is a free day) and good one. It turned out to be a great one. We traveled to Masada, the site of the fortress built by Herod the Great. A century later Jewish zealots, the Sicarii, occupied it during their revolt against the Romans. The fortress occupies the top of an impressive, free-standing rock some 1300 feet above and two-and-a-half miles on the western side of the Dead Sea. Masada is not mentioned in the Bible, but is famous in Jewish history. In 73 AD, 960 Sicarii occupied the fortress and chose to die by their own hands, rather than allow capture by the Romans. According to Jewish historian Josephus, they “chose death rather than slavery…” and carried out their resolve “neither to serve the Romans nor anyone else except God.” The morning after the mass suicide the Romans broke through the fortress and, instead of facing a battle, were met by silence. It has become a national shrine for Israelis, who commemorate their sacrifice. Beginning with Herod the Great it remained occupied until the fifth or sixth...
by Greg | Jan 15, 2013 | Blog Posts
Either I am staying too late or these nights are getting too short or I am just getting too tired. Nevertheless breakfast, no matter how early, calls my name and I obey its call everyday. Most days in Jerusalem that is at 6:30AM. Our group is holding up very well. Yesterday began with a quick bus ride to Yad Vashem, The name means “a name and a place,” and it is taken from Isaiah 56:5 – I will give, in my house and within my walls, a monument and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Yad Vashem is an archive, research institute, museum, and most importantly, a memorial of the more than six million who died in the Nazi Holocaust. It was a somber way to start the day, but the visit was an important one. Throughout the museum we deal with history and the pathos of humanity. We are also given the chance to reflect and hopefully look ahead. In fact the exit of the museum opens out onto a large sweeping porch that overlooks the city of Jerusalem. It was a marked contrast to leave the reflective morning of the museum to enter once again into the marketplace. In this case we visited an antiquities dealer whose family helped preserve the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. The Kando family has a display of one of the clay jars whose contents included the scroll of Isaiah. We made our way to a Kibbutz and enjoyed a meal together. As I have written in the past,...
by Greg | Jan 14, 2013 | Blog Posts
I am hastily typing a blog this morning because last night I decided getting some sleep was more important. Currently I am sitting out on a small balcony overlooking some of the ancient walls surrounding the Old City. Rusty Brock is sharing the other half of the table doing pretty much the same thing – blogging to his church family (in between checking NFL scores). The morning is beautiful complete with crisp air that betrays the heat I am hearing about in Georgia. In just a few minutes I will make my way downstairs to enjoy a breakfast. Though there will be plenty of fresh fruits and whole grains, I will focus on whatever is fried or covered in honey or both. My attending doctors are happy to note that our dinners are quite sensible. Usually the main dish is fish of some sort, lentils and sweet potatoes as sides and a fresh green salad. Oh, and then we are served a molten lava cake (we cannot be all good all the time, even in the Holy Land). Thankfully I had a great night’s rest and so I was more than ready for the wake up call at 6am to begin another great day for our Holy Land wanderings. Outside our hotel windows we share lovely views of the city including glowing sunrises. We boarded our bus driven by our capable driver Moddi who has taken loving care getting us from one place to another while driving through narrow streets and harrowing curves. I have watched him make u-turns and parallel park – amazing! Following a prayer where we...
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