Some Symbols...

31^st October REFORMERS OF THE CHURCH

Martin Luther's coat of arms is often used to symbolise the Reformation. It shows the cross on a heart, imposed on the Messianic rose and surrounded by a circle to denote eternity.

While the date 31st October commemorates Luther's posting his 95 propositions for debate on that church door in Germany, he was not the first to propose reform in the church, nor was he the last.

The Uniting Church deliberately calls the commemoration Reformers (plural) of the Church, to embrace all those, past and present, who have dreamed and worked to reform the church as they believed the Holy Spirit led them.

The lamp, which stands for the knowledge of God's word (Psalm 119:105), is another symbol of reformers. In this representation the rising sun behind the lamp indicates a new beginning.

Other symbols for Reformers often include the Bible, revealing the truth on which reforms are based. The window in this symbol suggests letting in new light.

1^st November ALL SAINTS DAY

All Saints Day honours the memory of martyrs and of all Christians who have died, the "saints" who have g

In most of the symbols for the saints, the crown is shown, the “crown of life” given to all who persevere in the faith (Revelation 2:10). The symbol shown here has he crown holding the good wheat - the faithful whom the Lord of the church has gathered for his harvest (Matthew 13:30). The symbol further shows the Alpha and the Omega and the Chi Rho, which are designations for Jesus Christ, the Redeemer who made the harvest possible. Chi Rho stands for the first three letters of Christos, the Greek letter chi (in English 'ch') is written X and rho (in English 'r') is written P. one before us in the faith.

 

For all the saints who from their labours rest,
who to the world their Lord by faith confessed,
your name, O Jesus, be for ever blessed.
Hallelujah, hallelujah!   (Together in Song 455)