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The Luther Rose, also known as the Luther Seal, is easily the most recognized symbol for Lutheranism, and for good reason. Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of this coat of arms in the year 1519. It provides a beautiful summary of his faith, a faith that is common to all Christians, of every place and every time. Here is how Luther explained the meaning of his seal:
"Grace and peace from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology. The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. 'For one who believes from the heart will be justified' (Romans 10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. 'The just shall live by faith' (Romans 1:17) but by faith in the Crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable, most precious and best metal. This is my compendium theoligae [summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship, hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your spirit until the life hereafter. Amen." | | The official seal of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is a unique blend of symbols and words.
In the center is:
- a blue shield, representing the Christian's faith;
- a prominent gold cross proclaiming that we preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead;
- Latin words under the cross reading "Jesus Christ is Lord";
- three equilateral gold crosses symbolizing the Holy Trinity;
- three gold stars on the shield standing for the three Christian creeds: the Apostolic, the Nicene, and the Athanasian.
- Beneath the shield is Luther's seal.
- Three gold stars on each side of the shield stand for the six Lutheran Confessions that were published in one book, titled "Concordia," in 1580.
- Grape vines fill the bottom white spaces, symbolizing Christ's words in John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
- Around the inner circle are the words on which Lutheranism is founded: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide (by Scripture alone, by grace alone, by faith alone).
- The exterior circle contains the proper name of the church and the year it was founded 1847.
The seal was designed by the Reverend A.R. Kretzmann of Chicago; and the drawing is by Walter Geweke, also of Chicago. |
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"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."
- Colossians 2:13-15 |
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Cross Styles and their Symbolic Meanings |
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 Alpha and Omega - This Latin cross combined with the Greek alpha and omega remind us that though Christ died on the cross for our sins, he now reigns in glory forever. "He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.'" - Revelation 21:6 | |  Anchor - The anchor cross originated in primitive days in the catacombs, formed by combining an anchor and cross. This cross can be used to symbolize the Christian's hope, which is anchored in Christ. Anchor crosses are occasionally a feature in coats of arms, in which context they are referred to by the heraldic terms "anchry" or "ancre." This cross was also the emblem of Saint Clement, Bishop of Rome; who, according to tradition, was tied to an anchor and tossed into the sea by the emperor Trajan. This cross is also known as the mariner's cross. |
 Ansated - Also called the crux ansata (handled cross), this looped tau cross symbolizes life through Christ. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6 | |  Baptismal - This Greek cross is superimposed on a Greek chi, the first letter of the Greek word for Christ. It forms a cross with eight arms. Since the number eight is symbolic of rebirth or regeneration, this cross is often used as a baptismal cross. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." - Titus 3:5 |
 Bottonnée - This widely-used cross calls to mind the Holy Trinity because of its trefoil end caps, and its name actually refers to the shape of an architectural trefoil. Once commonly-stamped on the covers of hymnals, it's now used often where a decorative form of the cross is desired. This cross is also called a bottony or budded cross. | |  Byzantine - The Byzantine cross is generally used by the Greek Orthodox Church. The Byzantine Empire, of which Constantine was emperor, was the empire that brought widespread adoption of Christianity to Europe. |
 Calvary - The three steps leading up to this graded Latin cross represent the hill of Calvary where Christ was crucidfied; or, more often, God's gifts of faith, hope, and love. "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13 | |  Canterbury - This design consists of four hammer-like arms which spring from a square, creating a circular pattern. Each arm bears a triangular panel incised with a triquetra, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The Saxon original dates from c. 850 A.D., being excavated in 1867 in Canterbury, England. This cross is common in Anglican churches. |
 Carolingian - This cross is a series of four intertwined celtic trinity knots (triquetra), each knot reminding us of the Holy Trinity. The circle around this cross symbolizes the fact that God is eternal - without beginning and without end. This cross design is named after the Carolingian Dynasty of France, its most prominent ruler being Charlemagne, who was crowned emperor in the year 800. | |  Celtic - One of the most ancient of cruciforms, this cross was used by the Celtic Christians in Great Britain and Ireland. This is also sometimes called the Irish cross, or the high cross; and is very common in churches and graveyards. |
 Cercelée - This cross has its arms split at the end, curved in a manner resembling rams' horns. | |  Conqueror's - This Greek cross is complemented with the first and last letters of the Greek name for Jesus (IC), the first and last letters of the Greek word for Christ (XC), and the Greek word for Conqueror (NIKA). The short bars above the letters indicate that they are abbreviations. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." - Romans 8:37 |
 Coptic - A small circle from which emanate four branches of equal length, with angled T shapes in the corner, cross-pieces outward, representing the nails used in Jesus' crucifixion. The Coptic Church, headquartered in Alexandria, shares the history and theology of the early church, in which Egypt played an important role. | |  Crosslet - A cross formed of four smaller crosses, this form represents the spreading of the Gospel to the four corners of the earth. This ornamental version rests on a lattice forming four additional crosses. "Jesus said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" - Mark 16:15 |
 Crown, Key, Sword, and Hammer - This Greek cross has four other Christian symbols on it. The Hammer represents the Hammer of God, the Law. The Key represents the Keys to the Kingdom, the Gospel and forgiveness. The Law crucifies us with Christ, and the Gospel brings us Life through Christ. The Sword represents the Church Militant, the spiritual kingdom of Christ at war with the worldly kingdom of Satan here on earth. The Crown represents the Church Triumphant, the kingdom of Christ prevailing over the kingdom of Satan. Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 | |  Eastern - This form of the cross, also called a Slavonic cross, is used primarily in the Russian Orthodox Church. The upper bar represents the inscription, abbreviated INRI, that Pilate had placed above Jesus' head. The slanted line is thought to point up to Heaven and down to Hell. Some say that the upper side pointing to the right (according to Jesus' view) indicates the repentant thief to whom Jesus promised Paradise, and the lower side pointing to the left indicates the thief who mocked Jesus. Others suggest that the bottom line represents the footrest, wrenched loose by Jesus' writhing in intense agony. Another explanation is that the slanted bar forms Saint Andrew's cross. Saint Andrew is believed to have introduced Christianity to Russia. |
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 Embattled - This heraldic cross calls to mind the battlements of a fortress or castle, and thus may be used as a symbol of the Church Militant (the church here on earth; as opposed to the Church Triumphant, or those who have gone to be with the Lord). This symbol is also known as a crenellée or crenel cross, from the Latin word for "notch," crena. | |  Fleur-de-Lis - A cross with the ends of the arms flory (fleury), having a shape somewhat like a fleur-de-lis (fleur-de-lys); this cross is a reminder of the Holy Trinity and of the Resurrection. |
 Fleurie - The liliform end caps of this cross remind us of the Holy Trinity. | |  Fourchée - This is a heraldic cross, also called fourchy or fourche, which means "forked." |
 Greek - An ancient cruciform with arms of equal length. This cross is also known as the crux immissa quadrata. | |  Ionic - This form of the cross was taken by St. Columba to the island of Iona in the sixth century. |
 Jerusalem - This complex form is composed of a central cross made of four tau crosses representing the Old Testament law. The four smaller Greek crosses represent the fulfillment of the law in the Gospel of Christ. Others have interpreted it to represent the missionary work of the church, which is spreading the Gospel to the four corners of the earth. Still others have acknowledged the five crosses to represent the five wounds of Christ on the cross. This cross appeared on the coat-of-arms of Godfrey of Bouillon, the first ruler of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem; and was embodied in the heraldry of the Crusaders. The Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem existed for almost two hundred years after the First Crusade. This cross is also known as the Crusaders' cross or fivefold cross. | |  Labarum - Constantine's Labarum is also known as a Christogram or Chrismon, a monogram of the name Jesus Christ. It consists of the superimposed Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P), often embroidered on altar paraments and clerical vestments. Often this symbol is referred to as a Chi-Rho. Several other forms of Christograms exist. |
 Latin - This most common of all cruciforms reminds us of the supreme sacrifice offered by Jesus for the sins of the world. The cross is empty to remind us of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. This cross is also known as the crux ordinaria. | |  Latin with Proclamation - The Latin letters INRI stand for the inscription that Pilate ordered placed on Jesus' cross: "Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum" - Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. This notice was also written in Aramaic and Greek, as we read in John 19:19-20. |
 Lorraine - This cross is generally used in heraldry. It is similar to a patriarchal cross; but usually has one bar near the bottom and one near the top, rather than having both near the top. | |  Maltese - This cross has arms which narrow towards the center, and are indented at the ends. This makes an eight-pointed cross with no curved lines. The eight outer points of this cross are symbolic of regeneration, and are sometimes said to represent the eight beatitudes. The cross was the emblem of the Knights of St. John, who were driven from Rhodes to the island of Malta by the Turks. Malta is the island where St. Paul was shipwrecked. |
 Moline - In this type of cross, the ends of the arms are split and curved back. Hhe two points at the end of each arm remind us of the two natures of Christ - 100% man in order to die in our stead, and 100% God in order to keep the law perfectly so that His sacrifice would cover the sins of the world. | |  Natal - This cross is shaped like a star, reminding us of the story of Jesus' birth and foretelling the purpose for which he was born. "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." - Revelation 22:16 |
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 Papal - This cross is the official emblem of the papal office, and is often used in ecclesiastical heraldry. The three bars are sometimes said to represent the three crosses on Calvary. | |  Passion - The pointed ends of this Latin cross represent the nails used to attach Christ to the cross, and the suffering of Christ at his crucifixion. |
 Patonce - A cross patonce is more or less an intermediate between a cross pattee and a cross flory, and is often used in heraldry. The liliform ends of this cross remind us of the Holy Trinity. | |  Patriarchal - This is an ecclesiastical cross that is often seen carried by the patriarchs in works of art. The upper bar represents the inscription placed on the cross by Pilate. It was adopted by cardinals and archbishops as a hierarchical distinction. In the Orthodox Church, a short, slanted crosspiece is placed near the foot of the cross. |
 Pattée - This cross is often confused with the Maltese cross. A cross pattée has arms narrowing towards the centre, but with non-indented ends. The lines of the arms are also curved, unlike the Maltese. This cross is sometimes referred to as an iron cross. | |  Pommée - The knobs, resembling apples, represent the fruits of the Christian life. Since knobs were used on pastoral staffs in ancient times as symbols of authority, this is sometimes referred to as the bishop's cross. "So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God." - Romans 7:4 |
 Potent - This cross has a crossbar at the end of each of its arms, forming four separate tau crosses. "Potent" is an old word for a crutch, and is used in heraldic terminology to describe a T shape. | |  Quadrate - A cross with a square at the intersection point, which reminds us of the four Gospels going out to the four corners of the earth. The number four also represents earth, so this cross can signify the fact that Christ died on the cross to save this world from its sins. |
 Saint Andrew's - According to tradition, Saint Andrew felt unworthy to be crucified like his Lord, so he begged that his cross be made differently. It is a symbol of humility and suffering, and is sometimes referred to as the crux decussata. This cross is also called the saltire, the boundary cross, because it was used by the Romans as a barrier. The cross doesn't have to be at this particular angle to qualify as a saltire; the symbol X can also be considered a Saint Andrew's cross. | |  Saint Peter's - An upside-down Latin cross, based on the story that Saint Peter was martyred by being crucified upside-down. Like his brother Saint Andrew, Saint Peter felt unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Christ. This cross symbolizes humility and deep love for Christ as our Savior. "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14 |
 Tau - The tau cross, made from the Greek letter T, is the simplest of all crosses. It is often used as the cross of prophecy, or Old Testament cross, because it is the traditional sign that Israelites made with lamb's blood on their doorposts in Egypt on the night of Passover. A tau cross is often pictured as the pole on which Moses lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness. This cross is also known as Saint Anthony's cross, the Egyptian cross, and the crux commissa. Francis of Assisi used it as his signature. | |  Triparted - A cross triple parted and fretted. In heraldry, it is interlaced. The triparted cross represents the Holy Trinity, and the twelve ends represent the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples. |
 Triumphant - This cross symbolizes the final triumph and reign of Christ over the world. It is often used in Christian art atop the scepter of Jesus as He reigns in glory. This is also sometimes called the Cross of Victory or cross and orb. "Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 15:57 | |  Voided - A cross voided throughout, also known as the gammadia, can be seen as a Greek cross with its centre lines removed, or as composed of four angles (L shapes) separated by a thin space. The name gammadia refers to its being made up of four shapes similar to a capital Greek letter gamma. This is the third letter of the Greek alphabet, which can symbolize the Holy Trinity. The four angles represent the four Gospels being spread to the four corners of the earth, and the voided lines show us that Christ left the cross to proclaim His victory over sin, death, and the devil. |
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"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
- Hebrews 12:2 |
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More Christian Symbols |
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 The Dove - This is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, from the account of Jesus' baptism. "Then John gave this testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.'" - John 1:32-34 | |  The Paschal Lamb - This is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is the sacrificial Lamb of God, who took our place on the cross to atone for all of our sins. The flag with the cross represents Christ's victory over death. "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" - John 1:29 |
 Borromean Rings - A Trinitarian symbol, Borromean rings consist of three circles or ellipses linked together to form a Brunnian link. This mathematical term means that no two of the rings are linked, yet they are all linked. This illustration has the Latin words "Trinitas Unitas" inscribed in the circles, which mean "Three in One, and One in Three." Sometimes this symbol is placed inside of a triangle, another symbol of the Holy Trinity. | |  Shield of the Trinity - Also called the Scutum Fidei (Latin for "Shield of the Faith" - Ephesians 6:16), this is a traditional Christian visual symbol which expresses many aspects of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, summarizing the first part of the Athanasian Creed in a compact diagram. In medieval England and France, this emblem was considered to be the heraldic arms of the Triune God. |
 Holy Baptism - Holy Baptism is represented by the shell, which pours water. The baptismal candle represents the Holy Spirit, which appeared as flames with the Apostles on Pentecost. The Bible underneath it all is God's Word, as Holy Baptism is the water and the Word, through which the Holy Spirit works. At the center is Christ, represented by a common Greek Christogram combined with a cross. | |  Holy Communion - This shows the bread and the cup of wine, which are the true body and blood present in the Lord's Supper. "The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'" - 1 Corinthians 11:23b-25 |
 Crossed Keys - The Keys of the Kingdom represent the authority of the Church to forgive sins in Jesus' name. Two keys represent dual authority to open Heaven to repentant sinners and to lock Heaven to the unrepentant. This is also a common emblem of St. Peter. | |  IHS / JHS - The most common Christogram is IHS or IHC, derived from the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus. Because the Latin alphabet letters I and J were not systematically distinguished until the 17th-century, JHS and JHC are completely equivalent to IHS and IHC. |
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  Ichthus - The Greek word for "fish," ichthus or ichthys is a Christian symbol for Christ, and is composed with the initials of these five words: Iesus Christos theou uios soter: Jesus Christ Son of God Saviour. During the persecution of the early church, this symbol was among those used by Christians as a means of identification and to designate a place of gathering. |
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 Christian Flag - The Christian flag was first conceived on September 26, 1897, in Brighton Chapel on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York in the United States. The flag's most conspicuous symbol is the Christian cross, the most universal symbol for Christianity. The red color represents the blood of Jesus and brings to mind His crucifixion, as Jesus' death and resurrection is the means through which God saves us from our sins. In Colossians 1:20 we read "Through [Jesus] God reconciles Himself to all things... making peace by the blood of the cross." The white field draws on symbolism throughout the Bible equating white clothes with purity and forgiveness. People who have been "washed white as snow" in the Bible have been cleansed from their sins, as Isaiah 1:18 describes. The symbolism behind the blue canton is uncertain, but has been interpreted to represent Heaven, truth, or Holy Baptism. |
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Colors of the Church Year |
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God's people use the liturgical church calendar to help them in their worship life. Beginning with the season of Advent and extendingthrough the season of Pentecost, the Church Year consists of two halves - the festival portion and the non-festival portion. The first half (Advent to Pentecost) reminds us of what God has done and continues to do for us through Christ Jesus. The second half (Pentecost to Advent) focuses on our response to God's goodness to us in Christ.
In all there are six seasons of the Church Year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. The following colors are associated with these seasons, illustrated by the paraments on the altar, pulpit, and lectern and the stoles worn by the pastors:
Blue - (Advent) reminds us of the blessed eternal hope that is ours in Christ.
White - (Christmas and Easter) is the color of purity, holiness, glory, and joy.
Green - (Epiphany and after Pentecost) represents the Christian life and growth in the faith.
Purple - (Lent) reminds us of our need for repentance and preparation for the celebration of Easter.
Red - (Pentecost) the color of fire and blood, represents the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Contained within the Church Year are the high festivals of Christmas Day, Palm Sunday, Easter, Ascension, and Day of Pentecost. These high festivals, celebrated by the Church, bring to mind important occasions associated with Jesus' life and the Church. |
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Trinity Lutheran Church, 537 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT 59101, USA
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