The newest Chrismon

Aahh, the nice feeling of accomplishment!

Several weeks ago my friend John from our former church in Paducah, Kentucky, asked what the Christian Symbol Ornament will be for Christmas 2012. Yes, 2012 !!! Grace Episcopal Church has a wonderful program. Every year a new ornament is made for each of the children in the church, wrapped up with the meaning of it. I have been involved since 1991 and have designed many, many of them.

John's question reminded me that I should be working on my second book.

After several attempts (this is the fifth's version) my newest 'baby':

          The Lamb

And here is the explanation (which is more difficult for me to write than the design itself):

Agnus Dei is Latin meaning “Lamb of God”. The lamb is often a symbol of Christ, symbolizing purity, meekness and sacrifice, gentleness of character, patience under suffering.

Prophetic pictures and references to the coming Lamb of God are scattered throughout the Bible's Old Testament. Many times we read about the importance of sacrificing a lamb, an innocent lamb without blemish to atone for sins. The stories of Abraham (Genesis 22) and the Passover (Exodus 12-13) are important examples.

Christ became that innocent lamb to take away our sins. Since Jesus' crucifixion sacrificing a lamb is no longer needed.

“The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

“For Christ, our Paschal lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7)

*  *  *
The step-by-step directions are also written. Now all I have to do is to figure out the material list for the bigger ornament for the church tree.

What I also have to do right now is put the washed bedding back on our bed or we have to sleep in the guest room. I get so carried away with my projects. Thanks, James, for having patience!