Christian Jewelry: The Meaning Behind the Symbols

Wearing Christian jewelry and other apparel is a glorious way to subtly display our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Necklaces, rings, earrings, and other accessories and clothing (most often T-shirts) adorned with Christian faith symbols allow us to carry our belief out of the sanctuary and into the world God wonderfully created for us, and be fashionable at the same time!

Crosses and other religious emblems are often worn as fashion accessories, even by those who are not religious, or the wearer may not truly understand what the symbol represents. Embrace the opportunity to spread the Good News by having a ready explanation for the symbols you wear.

Others may admire and compliment the Christian jewelry or apparel you are wearing, which gives you the opportunity to explain the meaning of the emblem, and perhaps introduce unbelievers to the true purpose of Christianity. The increasing secularization of church worship leads many pastors to tell their parishioner what they want to hear, not the truth of the Word of God.

A chance encounter with a true Christian may lead these lost sheep down the right path, and your visual display of faith can enable you to reach out to others and spread the Truth. In Middle Eastern countries, sheep aren't driven before the shepherd as we do in the West, but instead follow the shepherd faithfully. Live your life as an example that others want to follow. No one was ever saved by being beaten with a Bible.

Cross symbols predate Christianity, and ancient objects bearing crosses have been found in most parts of the world. The shape of the cross varies among different cultures. The cross is the most well-known symbol of the Christian faith, and represents the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a reminder of our own sins and our need for redemption.

The Celtic cross is one of the most ancient crosses, and was used by early Christians in Ireland and Great Britain. A circle surrounds the intersection of the crossbars. Legend tells us that it was introduced to Ireland by St. Patrick during his time of converting pagans to Christianity. It is believed he combined the cross with the symbol for the sun, so the pagans would understand the connection between Christianity with the life-giving importance of the sun (Son).

The Ankh, or ansate cross, bears an inverted teardrop shape above the horizontal crossbars. It is an Egyptian hieroglyphic that represents life and life and regeneration. Early Christians adopted it as a symbol of eternal life.

In the Roman Catholic church, Jesus is displayed on the cross (a crucifix), reminding us of Christ's atonement for our sins. Other churches display an empty cross, reminding us of his resurrection. The Passion cross has pointed ends that represent the suffering of Christ. The Pommel Cross, with knobs on the ends resembling apples, represents the spiritual fruits of Christian life. Denominations may be represented by different forms of the cross, but they all carry the same message: Christ carried our burden of sin to the grave, and rose again, so that we too may all have eternal life.

The fish is probably the earliest emblem of the Christian faith. In Galilee, fish was a diet staple, and fishing was a common occupation. Jesus' first disciples were fishermen. In Matthew 4:19 he tells them "Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Fish are referred to many times in the New Testament. It is the duty of all true Christians to be fishers of men; but we must leave it up to Christ to clean the fish!

Early Christians, who were severely persecuted by the Romans, used the fish symbol as a way to secretly recognize each other. When two strangers would meet, one would draw an arc in the sand. If the other was a believer, he would draw an arc that met the first one to create the shape of a fish.

The fish emblem may be empty or may contain the letters "ICHTHUS," which is an acrostic, an arrangement of words in which the first letter of each word combines with the others to form a recognizable word. The initial letters of the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior" from the Hebrew word for fish.

The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, Alpha and Omega, are often used together as emblems of Christianity. The reference is similar to our phrase "from A to Z." Revelations 1:8 (KJV) states "I am the Alpha and Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." This verse refers to Jesus who, as the second person of the Trinity, has existed from the beginning of time and will exist throughout eternity.

The Dove is a symbol for the Holy Spirit. A dove descended upon Jesus on the occasion of his baptism (Mark 3:16) and is also the symbol of peace. "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." (Matthew 10:16 KJV)

The anchor symbolizes the Christian's hope in Christ. "Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure . . . " (Hebrews 6:17-19 NIV)

Wear your Christian symbols proudly. We are not to hide the Light under a bushel. Use each small opportunity to boldly witness to others, but do it gently and kindly. Some may disregard your words, or even become offended, but at least you have planted the seed. Leave it to Jesus to water the seed so that it may grow!