Description:
Banner by Ora Molenaar depicting the Luther Rose
This beautiful emblem has become a symbol of the Lutheran Church throughout the world. It was designed in 1516 by Martin Luther who said that it set forth the basic elements of Christian theology.
Reflection:
Luther said that the black cross on a red heart reminds us that the crucified Christ saves us. The cross humiliates us and causes us pain, but also brings us righteousness and life, when in our hearts we believe in the crucified Saviour.
The heart is in the centre of a white rose, to show that faith brings joy, comfort, blessedness and peace beyond that of the world.
The background of the Rose is sky blue to show that this joy in the Spirit and in faith is the beginning of the heavenly joy to come.
It is surrounded by a golden ring to signify that the bliss of heaven is endless and lasts forever, and it more precious than all other joys and treasures.
Justified by faith — Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand.
Prayer:
Dear Lord thank you for Martin Luther’s courage and faithfulness that won for us the precious gifts of the Reformation. Please flood our hearts and lives with your grace and love. Amen.