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....
by Greg | Mar 7, 2013 | Blog Posts
Cross of Calvary The image of the Cross of Calvary is simple enough: a Latin Cross on three steps. It is most often used today placed on top of communion tables and altar arrangements. It is also known as the Stepped Cross and Graded Cross. The cross gives the image of ascending to or climbing towards Calvary, which is Latin for Golgotha, the Place of a Skull. “Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus; 17 and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.” (John 19:16-17) Prayer: All of life we seem to be climbing Lord. Climbing in our careers; climbing in our ambitions; climbing for recognition or for affirmation. Yet you climb Calvary and lay aside all striving. Teach us this day to trust enough to follow; hope enough to submit; and cease all our worldly strivings that we may be at peace....
by Greg | Mar 6, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Baptismal Cross This cross, like many of the other symbols already noted, has pre-Christian origins. In Egypt the eight spokes symbolized the eight emanations of creation. Gnostics borrowed this image seeing representing the eight aeons. In Christianity the number eight came to symbolize the days of creation with the eighth day being the day of resurrection. Baptismal fonts as well as ancient churches are often marked with eight sides to carry forward the reminder of resurrection. “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4) Prayer: Each day we are given the gift of life and yet… …any yet we die. We die to old ways that enslave us; old habits that entangle us; old lies that distract us. Through baptism we enter into death that we may walk in the new life you have waiting for us. Each day may we walk into the new life that You and You alone have to offer....
by Greg | Mar 5, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Papal Cross Since Roman Catholics will soon be electing a new Pope it seems timely to introduce to the blog the Papal Cross. This cross is the official emblem of the papal office and for Catholics is to be used only by the Pope. It is the same as a standard cross shape but with three horizontal arms, which decrease in length the higher up the cross they are. The three bars represent the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Three Divine Persons of the One God. “… whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43-44) Prayer: May we strive not for greatness, Lord, but to serve. For it is in serving our friend and enemy; our neighbor and the stranger, that we truly enter into the sacred journey to pick up the cross and follow you....
by Greg | Mar 4, 2013 | Blog Posts
The Modern Coptic Cross The modern Coptic Cross is a progression from the original design. Today it is the cross used by the Coptic Church around the world but especially in Ethiopia. It is made up of two intersecting bold lines and at the end of each arm are three points, symbolizing the Trinity. Added together there are 12 points, symbolizing the Apostles and their mission to the world. Some Copts have the cross tattooed on the inside of their arms and is worn as a symbol of pride and identity. “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave.” (Song of Solomon 8:6) Prayer: Today we arise marked as Your children. Today we work, marked as Your holy ones. Today we love and are loved, marked by Your care. And as we enter our rest, remind us Lord that not only are we marked, but You have set us as a seal upon Your heart, through Jesus the Christ, Your Son and our Savior....
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