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....
Recent Comments