We (as humans) love symbols. We love to assign meaning to everything we see and use. Sometimes we do this in a good way and sometimes, maybe, not so good. Our symbols express our life, they tell others more about us with us actually having to say it all.
What are some of the symbols in your life? What do they tell others about you? What do they tell you about yourself?
The early Christians used symbols extensively in their faith and worship. Many of those symbols we still use today. One that you are sure to know is the cross itself. To a non Christian, a cross may simply be two pieces of wood in a specific arraignment. No deeper meaning. To us it means something Holy or Sacred. It is a symbol to remind us of the passion Christ; that he died for our sins. That he was rejected by men, but still he forgave them. It may remind you of church, or time with family. It may bring to mind special prayers. Point being – this symbol means many things, and different things, to each of us. But, having the symbol makes us think and that is important.
During Lent, try having different symbols around you. I brought the Crown of Thorns plant to our meeting, and a sketch of Jesus with His crown of thorns. These are two power symbols of Lent. I also mentioned (in the last post) about the knotted rope in the church and its meaning. Maybe there are some things around your house that could help you to think about the way you are living and what changes you could make to be more like Christ.