Symbols

Things to Think About

Beginning where I left off...  The fourth Sunday in Advent's meditation is a video - please choose the correct one.  The author points out that over time, most Christian religions have centered their iconography around death:  the cross we often wear around our necks or place at the forefront of our sanctuaries is the equivalent of today's electric chair.  Now we realize that our focus is actually not on the death of Christ, but on his rebirth into eternal life with the Father - but the symbolism is not one of life.  It's an interesting point to make.

The Japanese culture have long used the Cherry Blossoms as their symbol of the cycle of life, death and rebirth, on the one hand, and of productive and reproductive powers, on the other.  Many will point to Mary and the baby as being favorites of artists around the world.  But worldwide, the symbol most used to identify Christianity is that of the Cross. 



Something Fun for Advent

Everyone has seen pictures of the garlands of popcorn and cranberries that are hung on trees - why not make some for your tree, and sing Christmas carols while you do, so that the tree will be surrounded by the voices of joy, anticipation and happiness, captured in the simple, family task of creating.