by Greg | Mar 14, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Maltese Cross The Maltese cross, also known as the Amalfi cross is the cross symbol associated with the of Malta and by extension with the island of Malta. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. It is also the modern symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the 11th century. Many cross symbols, like the Maltese Cross, are adapted to represent political causes or domains, inadvertently distancing from religious origins. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith…” (Romans 1:16) “At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away, It was there by faith I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day.” (Isaac Watts) Prayer: At Your cross, may we find what we are looking for, that our lives may be marked here on earth and also in heaven....
by Greg | Mar 13, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Budded Cross The Budded Cross is also known at the Apostles Cross, the Treflee, or the Cathedral Cross. While there are many variations of this cross, the most common has three circles at the end of each arm representing the trinity. It is thought this design was taken from earlier Celtic Druidry, where the circles symbolize the three dominions of earth, sky and sea. “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:27) Prayer: The sun and moon; The morning mist and afternoon breeze and nighttime sky; The earth and all that is in it are Your gifts Creator God. When we see may we say thanks for these and all Your many gifts....
by Greg | Mar 12, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Staurogram Cross In the early centuries of Christianity monograms were used to refer to Jesus including the Chi-Rho Cross and the Christ the Victor Cross. The Staurogram Cross is one such monogram. Staurogram literally means “cross monogram.” This cross is also called the Tau-Rho Cross because it is shaped like the Greek letters tau symbolizing the cross and rho recalling Jesus as Messiah. It has also come to symbolize the cross saves, and by the fifth and sixth century the symbol could be found all over Western Europe. “…but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24) Prayer: In the beginning God You named us and claimed us in Your image. May we who bear Your name reflect Your holy image in our words, actions and relationships, that all others see Your name and Your claim. It is our hope and now we make it our prayer....
by Greg | Mar 11, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Grapevine Cross This unusual cross with its dropping arms is also known as the Georgian Cross and the Cross of St. Nino. St. Nino was the Cappadocian woman who preached Christianity in what is now the Republic of Georgia in the 4th century. She was said to have been given a cross of grapevines by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Today the relic of the cross is kept in Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Grapevine Cross is recognized as the symbol of the Georgian Orthodox Church. “…Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus was his mother…” (John 19:25) Prayer: O Lord, where will you take us today? …Today with our burdensome schedules and appointments? …Today full of the expectations of others? …Today with the anxieties and fears? Wherever you take us, keep us close to the cross that we may stay in Your protective care....
by Greg | Mar 10, 2013 | Blog Posts
(I apolgize that for the last two days there has not been a posting. I have been out of town and did not have an internet connection) The Greek Cross The Greek Cross is thought to be one of the earliest and most common forms of Christianity. It was in widespread use by the fourth century. The four simple and equal lines recall the Greek understanding of the four elements of the world. Also the Greek Cross is a reflection of the divinity, the vertical line, and the world, the horizontal line. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Prayer: Yours is the earth, and everything in it. When we despise what You have created, we despise you. Guide us to love the world as You love it, for You first loved us....
Recent Comments