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A – Is for Always

This letter is a mix of two Greek letters: A for Alpha and an O for Omega.  (The Greek letter for “O” looks like and upside down “U”)
These 2 letters are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
God said he is “the Alpha and the Omega” which means he is the beginning and the end. (Rev 1:8, 21:6, 22:13)

There is also an infinity sign, because God’s love endures forever. (Psalms 100, 106, 107, 117, 118, 136 )

The green colors and the ivy represent evergreens and our hope for always growing in our faith and love for God.

The cross at the top is for Christ, who died on the cross to save the world.
I wanted this letter to look a bit futuristic because eternity is a long time 🙂 and that is what Jesus promises us- Eternity in heaven with Him.  Heaven is our hope and Final home. It is where every tear is wiped away and there is only love and goodness. (Isaiah 25:8)

A – Is for Always, A Merciful Heart

This “A” is a combination of two iconic images:

  1. The Sacred Heart of Jesus
  2. The Divine Mercy image of Jesus

The Sacred Heart of Jesus burns with love for us. The Heart is the symbolic center of feeling and emotion, and it represents Jesus’ deep love and affection for us. It is red, the color of blood, which Jesus poured out for us (Jn 19:34). Red signifies fervent love, and Jesus loves us so much that he laid down his life for us. (Jn 15:13).

The Flames of fire represent the intensity of the warmth of Jesus’ love for us.

The cross, and crown of thorns (Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2,5), also represent the love of Jesus for the entire world. Jesus suffered on our account. He died for this love. Then, He rose from the grave and continues to pour out his Heart/Love to us.

The red rays of light represent the Blood of Jesus poured out for the life of souls. The blue rays of light represent the water of Baptism which makes souls righteous. St. Faustina helps us remember to say the prayer “Jesus, I trust in you.” “Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.” – Jesus from the diary of St. Faustina.

“Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.”
(Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, 299)

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A = ALWAYS

Matthew 28:20

Praying hands – Jesus tells us to pray all the time (Mt 26:41). There are many ways to pray. The prayer that Jesus teaches us is “The Lord’s Prayer” (Mt 6:9-15).

The cross is the best-known symbol of Jesus because Jesus died on a cross for each of us (John 19:17). In a broader sense, the cross is the sign of redemption, salvation, and the Christian Religion (Rev 12:10).

B = BELIEVE

John 3:16

The Lion represents our great, big, powerful God (Revelation 5:5) – Our Creator who became human to show us how to love each other and get to heaven.

The Lamb = Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus sacrificed his life to save us from our sins and bring us into eternal life with him. Jewish tradition was to sacrifice a lamb to God, but since Jesus died for all of us on the cross about 2017 years ago, He changed everything!

Jesus Christ is our strong Lord and humble Savior. We BELIEVE He is the Lion of Judah and Lamb of God.

B = BELIEVE

John 3:16

The Ten Commandments – God gave these laws to Moses on two tablets of stone. These are rules that God wants us to follow to make our lives holy (Exodus 19-20).

The three-leaf clover (shamrock) is a symbol of the Holy Trinity – the mystery of our one God in three persons: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit (1 Timothy 3:16).

The holly, because of its thorny leaves and red berries, is symbolic of Christ’s crown of thorns and blood (John 19:2). Legend tells us that it was the tree used for Jesus’s cross.

The ivy, because it is evergreen, is a symbol of eternal life. Because it clings for its support, ivy also represents undying affection (Psalm 136).

C = CHRIST

Galatians 2:20

Jesus tells us that he is the good shepherd (John 10:7-18). He lays down his life for his sheep. Also, Jesus tells us in a parable (Matthew 18:10) that our Father, in heaven, is like the shepherd. He wants all his sheep to be with him and is very happy to find the lost one.

The nail, wood, and cross represent the suffering and death of Jesus. Read about Thomas and the nail prints on Jesus’s hands (John 20:24-29).

C = CHRIST

Galatians 2:20

Mary and baby Jesus are pictured playing joyfully. Mary has a halo to show her unique favor with God. All generation still call her blessed because she trusted God and bore His Son (Luke 1:30).

Jesus has a wooden crown made by his earthly father, Joseph – the carpenter. Jesus is our King of Kings and the Prince of Peace (John 18:37 & Isaiah 9:6).

D =DEVOTION

Jeremiah 29:11

The Trumpet – is famous for the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:20) and there is the “Feast of trumpets” in Numbers 29.

The Harp – Is an instrument that King David played (1 Samuel 16:23). You might think of angels playing these instruments also (Rev 15:2).

The harp has a menorah on it to show our Jewish heritage (Exodus 25:32 & 1 Maccabees 4:56). Did you know? Abraham, Moses, David, & Jesus were all Jewish!

The musical notes are the start of the song “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33) – my favorite song we sang at our wedding. Notice how the notes turn into praises and thanksgiving to God. Playing music and singing to God is one of the best ways to worship Him.

Hosanna means “Please save us” (Matthew 21:9-16).

Alleluia is a joyful word of praise to God (Psalm 105 & Rev 19)!

D = DEVOTION

Jeremiah 29:11

The dove is the symbol of purity, peace, and the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). It appears at Jesus’s Baptism; “…he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and it abode upon him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10-11).

The olive branch is a symbol of peace with God. Because the dove returned with the olive branch, “Noah knew the waters were abated from the earth” (Genesis 8:11). Also, because the olive tree produces much oil, it symbolizes the abundance that God gives to us (Judges 9:8).

The Bible/Scripture is one of God’s ways of teaching us and speaking to us (2 Tim 3:16, Jn 20:30-31).

Fish (See “F”) Hearts (See “R”)

E – is for Emmanuel which means “God with us”.

Matt 1:23

This letter shows our triune God: God the Father, God the Son, Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit.

Can you see the word God? The circular holy host is the “O” for the word “God”.  The holy chalice is the “t”. God is with us in Spirit and in Holy Communion.  He is truly present for us.  (Luke 22:19)

Baby Jesus is on the hay in the manger.  He is the “bread of Life”. (John 6) He was born in Bethlehem, which means “House of Bread”.  He has a halo to show he is the Holy sacrifice for the world, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”  (John 1:29)

The dove represents the Holy Spirit, that God sent down for us at Pentecost. (Acts 2)

The bright star appeared in the sky to lead the 3 Wise kings to baby Jesus.

I pray The Christian Alphabet helps lead you to know Jesus.  Also, remember God is with us here on earth & He is also in heaven.

E = EMMANUEL

Isaiah 7:14

The lighthouse represents God, the one who gives us light (Genesis 1:3), and is our guiding light (1 John 1:5-7). Moreover, Jesus said “You are the light of the world…Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14).

The pelican symbolizes Jesus. The legend of the pelican says that they have the most love for their offspring. People thought that pelicans would pierce their own bodies with their long beak to feed their starving young. This sacrifice mirrors Christ’s on the cross. Jesus gives us his body and blood. In this sense, the pelican also symbolizes the Eucharistic Sacrament, where Jesus gives us His body and blood from the altar, using bread and wine (Luke 22:19-20).

Footprints in the sand represent Jesus walking with us, sometimes carrying us, through this earthly life (Proverb 3:23).

E = EMMANUEL

Isaiah 7:14

The sun is symbolic of Christ. It rises as Christ rose from the dead (Malachi 4:2).

The flower is called a columbine. Columbine comes from the Latin word for dove, columba. Therefore, this is another symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The sun and moon represent the sadness of all creation when Jesus died. Also, they are attributes to the Virgin Mary – “woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet” (Revelation 12:1).

The crescent moon represents Mary, mother of Jesus. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of the Son of God. Mary always points us to Jesus (John 2:5).

Clouds are used as the symbol of the unseen God (1 John 4:12).

The star, lighting the darkness of night, is a symbol of divine guidance. A star helped guide the three Wise Kings to Bethlehem to worship the newborn Savior of the world (Matthew 2:2)!

F-is for Faith

F2 Angel with trumpet

The verse Matthew 24:30 is what inspired this letter.  It says that Jesus will return to earth again, with power and glory!  When he will come again is unknown, but His angels will blow their trumpets and He will come on the clouds. Will you be ready for Him? He loves you and wants you with Him in His Heavenly Home where He has prepared a place for you. (John 14:3)

Jesus’ Second glorious coming -on the clouds– is in the background of this letter.

As Christians, we have Faith that He Will Come Again to judge the living and the dead.  (Acts 10:42 & 1 Peter 4:5)

F = FAITH

Hebrews 11:1

Smoke quickly disappears, reminding us of how short this life on earth is, and how useless it is to seek earthly glory. “Store up your treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:20).

The candles give light to the world, as Christ does. Jesus said he came “as light into the world that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (Lk 12:46). Candles symbolize prayer, devotion, the coming of Christ in Communion, and that Jesus has risen. Three candles represent the Holy Trinity.

The fish is one of the first Christian symbols of Christ. The five Greek letters that form the word ‘fish’ (I, ch, th, u, s) are the initial letters of these five words: ‘Jesus Christ God’s Son Savior’ (Lasous =Jesus, Christos = Christ, Theos = God’s, Uios = Son, Sotar = Savior).

The fish also reminds us to be “fishers of men” –to share the gospel with all (Mark 1:17).

Water (See “R”)

G =GOD

Genesis 1:1

Here are 10 names for God in this “G” (if you count Jesus Christ as one name). Can you find them all? What other names for our King of Kings can you think of? Bread of life, Redeemer, The Truth….

“The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit” is how Jesus instructed us to baptize His disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19).

G = GOD

Genesis 1:1

The stars and planets represent God’s creation of the universe (Genesis 1).

The tree is the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve sinned for the first time when they disobeyed God and ate the fruit from it (Genesis 3:3).

The serpent represents Satan, who tempted Adam and Eve, and tempts us, to sin (Genesis 3).

The dolphin symbolizes resurrection and salvation. The legend is that it carries the souls of the faithful departed across the waters to eternal life.

H = HEAVEN

John 14:2

This is the artist’s vision of the pearly gates at the entrance of heaven (Rev. 21:21).

“Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 6:33).

The pearl, a most precious jewel, is known as a symbol of salvation or heaven. “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45).

Jesus prepared a place for us in heaven (John 14:3).

H = HEAVEN

H2 Pillars and altar

The columns (or pillars) represent God. He delivered the Israelites from slavery and led them through the dessert. God never left his place in front of the people. Exodus 13:21 shows us: “The Lord preceded them, in the daytime be means of a column of cloud to show them the way, and at night by means of a column of fire to give them light.

The altar is “God’s table.” It is a sacred place to offer up sacrifices and where Communion (the Eucharist) is celebrated to remember the Last Supper where Jesus “took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) The act of building an altar means that we are offering everything we have to God. It is a reminder that everything belongs to God.

Book of life, (Phil 4:3, Rev 3:5, 13:8…) or the Book of remembrance (Malachi 3:16) is sometimes called the Lamb’s book (Rev 21:27) or Lord’s book (Exodus 32:32). Jesus says “…rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven!” (Luke 10:20)

The angels worshiping under the altar have placed their wings to form the “mercy seat.” This is part of the arc of the covenant that God designed and told the Israelites to build for Him. (Exodus 25:18-20)

I = I AM

Exodus 3:14

Symbols in the IHS “I”: IHS is a monogram for Christ that dates to the first century. These are the first three letters of the word for Jesus in Greek, Ihsus.

The Jerusalem cross (in red) is a Greek cross because it has arms of equal length. The four smaller crosses represent the four gospels. The Latin cross, the most popular one today, has the shorter cross bar raised above the center.

The eye of God the Father is the “all seeing eye” God sees us (Psalm 33:18).

Fleur de lis – French for “flower of the lily” (At the three points of this cross). It is not an actual flower but a symbol of the Trinity because of its three petals. It also represents The Virgin Mary.

I = I AM

Exodus 3:14

This is a very decorative cross with three cross bars. This type of cross is used by the Pope.

Halo (See “K”)

J = JESUS

Romans 10:9

This letter depicts the entire life of Jesus on earth. The dove above Mary’s head signifies that she conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). Baby Jesus on Mary’s lap represents his childhood. This is Jesus’s face as he might have looked as he walked with his disciples, performed miracles, and taught us how to love God and one another. The three crosses represent Jesus’s death. The figure rising from earth represents Jesus resurrected, and ascending into heaven (Luke 18:33, 24:6-7)!
Lamb (see “L”)

J = Jesus

J2 Languages

This is the name “Jesus” in 8 different languages:
Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, Indonesian,
Chinese, Hindi, Russian and Italian.
Can you guess which is each language?
*See J2 in English for more explanation. *

J= Jesus

J 2 Jesus is the KING of kings.

This is symbolized, together, with the golden crown and crown of thorns.

Jesus is our LORD & SAVIOR.
Jesus is The LAMB of God that takes away the sins of the world. (John 1:29)
Jesus is the BREAD of life. (John 6)
He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. (John 14:6)
Jesus is the SON OF GOD. (Mark 1:1)
Jesus is the Prince of PEACE. (Isaiah 9:6, John 20).
He is The LIGHT of the world. (John 8)

He is also the Christ, our Redeemer, Messiah, the Good Shepherd, the vine, the gate, the door… Can you find more words for Jesus?

K = KINDNESS

Colossians 3:12

The halo (nimbus) is a zone of light. It is a circle, square or triangle, placed behind the head of a holy person. It denotes great dignity, power, and holiness.

The banner is a symbol of victory over death won by Christ. The red cross symbolizes Christ’s blood, shed for us. The white symbolizes purity and peace. The banner is also attributed to military saints and those who carry the gospel to foreign places.

The church represents the body of Christ on earth, us, all Christian people (1 Corinthians 12:12-29). Jesus said, “This is how all will know you for my disciples: your love for one another” (John 13:35). Christ is the head of the body (Ephesians 4:4-5).

K = KINDNESS

Colossians 3:12

The halo (nimbus) is a zone of light. It is a circle, square or triangle, placed behind the head of a holy person. It denotes great dignity, power, and holiness.

The banner is a symbol of victory over death won by Christ. The red cross symbolizes Christ’s blood, shed for us. The white symbolizes purity and peace. The banner is also attributed to military saints and those who carry the gospel to foreign places.

The church represents the body of Christ on earth, us, all Christian people (1 Corinthians 12:12-29). Jesus said, “This is how all will know you for my disciples: your love for one another” (John 13:35). Christ is the head of the body (Ephesians 4:4-5).

K = KINDNESS

Colossians 3:12

The halo (nimbus) is a zone of light. It is a circle, square or triangle, placed behind the head of a holy person. It denotes great dignity, power, and holiness.

The banner is a symbol of victory over death won by Christ. The red cross symbolizes Christ’s blood, shed for us. The white symbolizes purity and peace. The banner is also attributed to military saints and those who carry the gospel to foreign places.

The church represents the body of Christ on earth, us, all Christian people (1 Corinthians 12:12-29). Jesus said, “This is how all will know you for my disciples: your love for one another” (John 13:35). Christ is the head of the body (Ephesians 4:4-5).

L = LOVE

1 John 4:16

The bread/wheat, in the form of the loaf and wafer (the Eucharist), is Christ’s body. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If a man eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:51). At the Last Supper, Christ held the bread and said “…This is my body which will be given for you; do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). Jesus takes the simple bread and wine and makes it divine (John 6, 1 Cor 11:26-27).

The cup, or chalice, contains the wine/grapes, the precious blood of Christ that was shed on the cross. Christ said “This is my blood of the covenant which will be shed for many” (Mark 14:24).

The rock symbolizes God the Father, as our rock and solid fortress that sustains us (Psalm 18:2, Exodus 17:6). Jesus is our rock as the foundation/cornerstone of a sturdy house (Matthew 7:24). Saint Peter is also referred to as a rock (See “S”)

The lamb is most frequently used to represent Christ. Jesus is the “Lamb of God/Agnus Dei” who was sacrificed for us. “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29)! The Paschal Lamb is the lamb sacrificed during the Jewish Passover. Because of this tradition, it stands for forgiveness from sins.

L = LOVE

1 John 4:16

The entire letter spells L-O-V-E. Can you find it?

The Crucifixion of Jesus is the worst thing that ever happened in the history of the world, and the best thing that ever happened in the history of the world. Jesus opened the gates of heaven for us and conquered death and our sin. Here is one word for that…Love.

Jesus’ feet on the cross = the ultimate symbol of unconditional, self-sacrificing love that Jesus gives to us.

The empty tomb is the “O” and the rock rolled away is a “V” or heart for the symbol of love.

Jesus is standing there on the rock. He has risen from the dead and is about to appear to his disciples, talk and eat with them, and then give them the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23).

M = MIRACLES

Matthew 11:4

The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus resurrected He sent down The Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:5-7, 2:3).

The “Tongues of fire” are also a symbol of the Holy Spirit coming down from heaven…to live in us and guide us. God gives us His Spirit!

Find the 2 important words in the stained-glass windows. By giving us The Holy Spirit, God gives us his GRACE. We have FAITH in His Truth.

M = MIRACLES

Matthew 11:4

The lily is the flower of purity. It is a symbol of the Virgin Mary, the purest vessel to give birth to a perfect son, Jesus (Luke 1:28-30). She is “the ark of his covenant.” Jesus is the new covenant (Rev 11:19-12:1).

Wings are the symbol of divine mission. Angels have wings because they do God’s holy work (Luke 2:10) and can protect us (Psalm 91:11). Angels are mentioned over 400 times in the bible.

The arrows point towards heaven, which is where the rising Christ is ascending (John 14:1-3). We await the second coming. Lord Jesus, come in glory (Luke 20:25, Revelation 22:20)!

N = NATIVITY

Luke 1:30

The nativity shows the Holy Family; baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is Jesus’s birthday (Luke 2:11).

The crucifixion is Jesus’s death on the cross (Matthew 27:33). The crucifixion, the worst thing that ever happened, allowed for the most important wonderful thing to happen: Jesus was able to conquer sin and death, and open the gates of Heaven to eternal life. With his self-sacrifice on the cross, Jesus/God shows us how to love. We celebrate Christmas for his birth, and Easter for his death and resurrection (Mark 16).

N = NATIVITY

Luke 1:30

The Christmas tree is a symbol of everlasting life with God because it is evergreen. The tradition became popular in America in the 1850’s.

Mary and baby Jesus are the most important part of the Nativity.
Their halos (See “K”).

The angel on top of the tree is pointing to Jesus, the Savior of the world as a humble babe. Angels appeared the night Jesus was born (Luke 2:9).

O = OMNIPOTENT

Job 11:7

This is the crown of thorns that Jesus wore as he died on the cross. Thorns signify grief and tribulation, which Jesus had to endure for us (John 19:2, 5).

The butterfly is a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. In a general sense, it can symbolize the resurrection of all men. The butterfly’s three stages of life: caterpillar, chrysalis (cocoon) and the butterfly, represent the three stages of the Christian’s life: life, death, and resurrection.

The red rose is a symbol of martyrdom, which means suffering for your faith. This red rose is very special because it represents all the thousands of saints that died for Christ. “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Tertullian, 200 AD

O = OMNIPOTENT

Job 11:7

The crucifix charm hangs at the center like Jesus Christ is our center.

The necklace of 5 “decades” (10 beads 5 times) is like a rosary (a way of prayer that meditates on Jesus’s life). If we truly focus on Jesus this world becomes strangely dim, and we have the perspective of heaven, our eternal home.

“Prayer is not just the last hope of the desperate. It is the first hope of the wise.” – Mark Hart, The Bible Geek.

O = OMNIPOTENT

0 3 Holly Wreath

The wreath is a Circle which represents the eternal presence & love of God and eternal life for us through Christ.

The ribbon is a symbol for the greatest Gift from heaven – Baby Jesus. God sent Him to save the world from sin. Giving someone a gift shows that you love them.

The ever-green holly, in general, represents continuity and survival through difficult times. Specifically, prickly holy represents the crown of thorns that Jesus endured at the Crucifixion. Green represents life and growth, and for Christians, it stands for the eternal life of the soul.

The red berries signify the blood Christ shed on the cross for us.

P = PRAY

Matthew 6:9

This is our only Christian Alphabet letter, so far, with a Bible verse inside of it (Psalm 46:11)! If we can only be still in this crazy loud world we can more easily hear and feel God with us. God whispers but the world is loud. The problem is not that God is so far away that we cannot see Him. Rather, HE is so close that we overlook Him. Our quest for God is like trying to see the air that we breathe.

The silhouette of the person on their knees is to remind us to humble ourselves before our great God and pray often for His will.

The stained-glass “Rose” window is a very ornate, beautiful, round window that many churches have for the Son/sun to shine through to spread God’s light.

The shepherd’s staff reminds us to let God lead us in His ways. He is our shepherd and we are his sheep (John 10:7-27, John 21:17).

P = PRAY

Matthew 6:9

The four people praying together remind us to pray for and with other people. This creates a special bond with God and with others. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them” (Matthew18:20). Pray: Adore God. Confess to God. Thank God. Seek God.

The angel is God’s helper or messenger (Hebrews 13:1-2). (See “M”)

The musical notes symbolize the praise to God (Psalm 47:7).

Q = QUIET

Psalm 23

The earth God created for us – “Come behold the works of the Lord…Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:8-10).

The world is loud and God whispers (1 Kings 19:12). Once we know the “Good News”/ gospel we are to share it with the world (Matthew 28:19).

The cross with three steps – These steps represent the three virtues of Charity, Hope, and Faith.

The cross represents love (1 Corinthians 13:13). You can walk into the cross. “Our heart is restless Lord, until it rests in you.” – St. Augustine, 420 AD.

R = RESURRECTION

John 11:25

The rainbow is a symbol of union with God, (Genesis 9:9) and the new promise that Jesus brought to us (Revelation 4:3).

Jesus is here pouring out his love, in the form of little hearts.  “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the bible tells me so” (Romans 5:5). His stole stands for priestly dignity and humility.

Water symbolizes the washing away of sin and purifying our soul to rise to the newness of life in Christ. “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). When we are baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we become the children of God.

Butterfly (See “O”)

R = RESURRECTION

John 11:25

XP is a monogram for Christ in Greek (XPIETOE) Can you see it?

The sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) is also the tilted cross to form the “X” of the XP.

The Fleur de lis (yellow stylized lily) is a lily, a flower that is a sign of purity (See “M”).

When Jesus spotted Zacchaeus in the tree trying to just catch a glimpse of him, he said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. I mean to stay at your house today” (Luke 19:4). God responds to us readily when we show interest in him. When we seek him, he responds, we find him (Jeremiah 29:12-13). “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” (James 4:9).

Alpha and Omega Greek letters (See “V”)

S = SAVIOR

1 John 4:14

The scroll with INRI on it represents what was nailed to the cross above Jesus’s head. INRI represents the four initial letters of ‘Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum,’ which is Latin for ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.’ Pilate had this title put on the cross (John 19:19).

The monogram of the X and P are the first two letters for the word for Christ in Greek (XPIETOE).

Bells at church ring to call the faithful to worship. Also, one hears bells to mark the coming of Christ in Communion during holy mass.

The keys are the ‘keys of the kingdom of heaven’ which Jesus gave to Peter (Matthew 16:19).

S = SAVIOR

1 John 4:14

Water symbolizes our Baptism in Christ.

Waves remind us God is always coming to us. We have waves of emotions in good and bad times of this worldly life. Sometimes we feel close and sometimes we feel far, but His love is always there for us.

The Eternity symbol reminds us that = God is eternal/NEVER ending/Forever! and we have the hope of heaven with Him.

The anchor is the symbol for Jesus, our Lord, who anchors our life. He is our Stronghold. – It is also a cross with droplets of water flowing off symbolizing purity and grace that flows from knowing Jesus.

The bottom of the anchor is also a boat which is what the apostles used before they became “fishers of men.”

The star is the guiding star of hope that the Wise men followed on their long journey to find Jesus. In the middle is the star of David, a Jewish symbol. Jesus was Jewish and our holy ancestors are God’s chosen Jewish people.

T = TRINITY

Matthew 28:19

This is The Father (the older man) hugging Jesus, his son.

The clouds show this is after Jesus’ resurrection & ascension in to heaven. The Holy Spirit is represented by the dove on Jesus’ shoulder. All three together is our Holy Trinity. The word “trinity” doesn’t appear in the bible, BUT you can find it throughout the Word of God. Look in Genesis 1:2 and Genesis 26… It says “spirit” and “Let us.”  The Trinity is one God but three persons. It is a mystery our little human brain will never fully understand.

T = TRINITY

Matthew 28:19

This contains the Holy Trinity. Look closely to see it. The Father is the King, with the crown and robe. The Son is Jesus on the cross. The Holy Spirit is the wing and head of a dove.

The triangle is the perfect symbol for the Trinity. It has three equal parts forming one shape. Triangles are even found in the catacombs – on early Christian grave markers.

The triquetra is the three connected arcs (it shows the middle of three connected circles). It is another beautiful sign of the Trinity.

U = UNITY

Ephesians 4:3

The chain and children holding hands represent the unity of the Body of Christ. The kids look different, yet are all children of God (Mark 10:14-15). They are stronger when they bond together (Eph 4:4-6).

V = VICTORY

1 Corinthians 15:54

The palm branch is the symbol of victory. It represents Christ’s triumph over death. As Christ rode into Jerusalem, the people went out to meet him waving palm branches (John 12:13).

The banner represents victory over death, the resurrection (John 20). “Behold I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).

The letters A and U, for alpha and omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.  They refer to God; “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, said the Lord” (Revelation 1:8).

V = VICTORY

V 2 Dove

The dove is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, purity, peace. With the Holy Spirit inside of us we have Victory over death!

For Noah, the dove carried the olive branch to show him the flood waters had abated.

When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, with God saying “This is my beloved Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matt 3). We have Victory in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Deuteronomy 20:4, Eph 10)

V = VICTORY

V 3 Angel

This angel represents the spiritual warfare that goes on inside every human. Remember we have angels fighting for us! St Michael the Arc Angel, Pray for us. Defend us in battle against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

The Sword stands for fighting and is another name for the Word of God/ The Bible.

We have Victory in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Deuteronomy 20:4, Eph 10)

In John 16:33 Jesus says “…take heart; I have overcome the world.”

W = WORSHIP

Psalm 100

The Bible /Sacred Scripture – To know God, we study all the books of the Bible (Luke 11:28). “Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ.” – St. Jerome, 400 AD.

Amazing Grace musical notes – Singing praise to God is one of the best ways to worship him.  (Psalm 101).

Church pews with People – Jesus prays for the church to be perfectly one, united, as He is with the Father (Jn 17:20-26). We all make mistakes. Forgive and don’t judge (Romans 3:23). We love God by loving others (Lk 10:26-27).

Praying hands (See “P”)

X = EXAMPLE

John 15:12

Do you know your Christian ABC’s? All the Christian Alphabet’s words are in the X.

The X cross is another type of cross that early Christians used before the Latin (†) and Greek (+) crosses became popular.

The two scrolls represent the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible.

Jesus is always our best eXample to follow. He teaches us how to love God and love our neighbor. “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). Life is the school. Love is the lesson.

Y = YES

Isaiah 45:22

This is Jesus with the little children. You need the simple faith of a child to believe Jesus died on the cross to give us eternal life (Matthew 18:2).

God loves us so much that He gives us the choice (free will) to say “Yes” to Him and His ways, or “No” to Him. We can soften our hearts or harden our hearts towards Jesus. Let us “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of eternal life to which you were called…” (1 Timothy 6:12).

Y = YES

Y 2 Dove

“Yes Lord, we desire to walk in your ways, wait for you, and our hearts say Yes to you.”(Isaiah 26:8)

The dove is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, purity, peace.

When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, with God saying “This is my beloved Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matt 3)

The Book of life is where God writes our name. Book of life, (Phil 4:3, Rev 3:5, 13:8…) or the Book of remembrance (Malachi 3:16) is sometimes called the Lamb’s book (Rev 21:27) or Lord’s book (Exodus 32:32). Jesus says “…rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven!” (Luke 10:20)

This is also like the Holy Bible which is God’s Word.

The Alpha and Omega is the beginning and the end. (Rev 22:13)

Z = ZION

1 Peter 2:6

This city, Zion, is in the sky because it represents the kingdom of God in heaven (Isaiah 28:16, 1 Peter 2:6). Jesus talked a lot of his Father’s kingdom and how he has provided a way for us to get there. “He will wipe away every tear…death shall be no more…” (Rev 21).

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8).

Angel (See “P”)

Sheep (See “C”)

Cross (See “A”)

Z = ZION

Z 2 Our Father

When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray he answered with this prayer (Matt 6, Luke 11)

The Lord’s prayer (also called “The Our Father” prayer) starts here!

The clouds represent Our Father, the Creator of heaven and earth.

The lightning bolt says “Your Kingdom Come” which means we pray for God’s heavenly kingdom to come to us now. We pray for God to reign everywhere, that His laws be obeyed, & Christ be advanced everywhere until the world is filled with His glory!

The earth says “Your will be done” which means we pray to do God’s will. Often, we humans want our will to be done, but need to put God at the center of our desires.