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...
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