This is a common sight on the altars of many Churches.
I have often wondered how the candles and flowers came to be added on to the altar which used to be the only symbol on the altar in the early centuries!
The Cross continues to be at the centre of the altar in most churches and is central to the faith traditions of all denominations although some denominations do not use the symbol of the cross visibly on the altar. The cross is a converging symbol of our faith and hope. It inspires, challenges and and evokes worshipful fervour in human hearts. The cross is a symbol inviting us for meditation, reflection and celebration. Its sacredness gets trivialised sometimes when it is used as a symbol of power, authority and control.
The flowers have another effect on us. The flowers on the altar symbolise the fragile human beings, whom God invites to His sacred presence. The Jesus of Nazareth, who said referring to His crucifixion, that ‘if I be lifted up from the earth then shall I draw people to myself’, is always on a journey to find us .The flowers on the altar remind us of where we belong to. We belong to God and is being drawn to His presence. Every time we look at the flowers on the altar, we ought to be thankful that the cross is the cause for our inclusion into God’s presence. The flowers share the fragrance and beauty to others. The flowers therefore remind us that we come to the sanctuary to experience God’s nearness to us and we return from the sanctuary with the blessing to be a means of grace to others.
The candles have traditionally been a symbol of light that we are called to be. Jesus Himself said that, ‘you are the light of the world’.
The altar is place of communion- God meets with us in silence.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
The flowers have another effect on us. The flowers on the altar symbolise the fragile human beings, whom God invites to His sacred presence. The Jesus of Nazareth, who said referring to His crucifixion, that ‘if I be lifted up from the earth then shall I draw people to myself’, is always on a journey to find us .The flowers on the altar remind us of where we belong to. We belong to God and is being drawn to His presence. Every time we look at the flowers on the altar, we ought to be thankful that the cross is the cause for our inclusion into God’s presence. The flowers share the fragrance and beauty to others. The flowers therefore remind us that we come to the sanctuary to experience God’s nearness to us and we return from the sanctuary with the blessing to be a means of grace to others.
The candles have traditionally been a symbol of light that we are called to be. Jesus Himself said that, ‘you are the light of the world’.
The altar is place of communion- God meets with us in silence.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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