Friends,
I’ve been asked to share with you the symbolism of the cross that has been chosen for our church branding. Symbols point to something greater than themselves, and Christian symbols point us to God and God’s mighty acts of salvation in Jesus Christ and God’s everlasting love.
The Cross is first and foremost the central symbol of our faith, revealing God’s love for sinful humanity in the redemptive death of Jesus on the cross, and His triumphant Resurrection that brings salvation and eternal life. It reminds us that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
Within this Cross we see other symbols of our faith. The four equal arms symbolize God’s unconditional love that reaches out in all directions to embrace the four corners of the world and all people. They also represent the four Gospels and the Good News of Jesus Christ that we are to live out and proclaim.
On each cross-arm, you will notice 3 interlaced arcs known as the Triquetra. These intertwined and never-ending arcs originated in Celtic Christianity during the 6th-8th Centuries to represent the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – God Three in One who invites us to be a part of this everlasting, loving relationship of God’s Grace.
The circle behind the cross represents the world and how Jesus Christ, though his death and Resurrection, has not only overcome but redeemed the world. It reminds us that God’s love encompasses and is made available for the whole world - all people and all of creation – and we are called to do the same as Christ’s followers.
Looking at this Cross, we are reminded that we are first and foremost rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior who has called AHUMC to be a Christian Community of love, hope, and belonging for all. With its circle and Trinitarian symbols, it invites us to build a community of mutual, loving, caring relationship that results in service to the world. Our church has adopted as its purpose to Welcome all People, Build Community, Share God’s Love, Serve the World. I believe that purpose is reflected in this particular Cross. May it not only remind us of who and whose we are but how God is ever calling us to be in loving service and ministry as God’s people.
REV. DONNA STRIEB
Spiritual Formation & Taizé Worship Pastor
