MEANING OF SYMBOLS AND COLOR IN WORSHIP / IN CHURCH

                   MEANING OF SYMBOLS AND COLOR IN WORSHIP / IN CHURCH

A. CLOTHES SERVICE

Toga , Bef , Clergical Collar & StollaMost Christian churches in Indonesia know sort Clothing Title , which they took over from their partner churches in the West . The shape is almost the same kind of toga ( = dress ) black , which is used with the " bef " ( white tie ) and with or without stolla ( = fabric or ribbon width and length ) . Its function is not clear . But in practice these churches , consciously or unconsciously regard it as the Liturgical Clothing Clothing Title or official . Therefore , every person who took office ecclesiastical office should wear clothes when he was serving in the official service

s . This only applies to the pastor . For Elder and Deacon are generally considered " less equal " with Pastor exempted from the above .Title clothing has been prevalent in the Catholic Christian churches and the Protestant Reformation , so no longer perceived as goods / foreign tradition imported from the West . However, in recent decades there is a church, such as GPIB , which no longer satisfied with the shape of this office clothes and was about to replace it with another form . Unfortunately , dissatisfaction ecclesiastical leaders in the GPIB more due to cultural reasons rather than theological reasons .The shape is different , each one more beautiful and more luxurious than others . Also the amount is not equal . For example Eucharist , the Greek Orthodox Church priest wearing more " liturgical clothes " than the Catholic Church priest . For example , in the Catholic Church Clothes Position consists of " amictus " ( = shoulder of linen fabric , decorated with embroidered cross and tied at the chest , above the actual dress - missa ) , " alba " ( = shirt of linen , length up on foot ) , " stole " ( = band width used in the alba , length up to the knee ) , " manipulus " ( = ribbon silk , not so wide , hung on the left hand ) , " pluviale " ( = dress ecclesiastical procession , formerly only used by the lower clergy , and also by the high clergy ) and " Vesti sacerdotalis " ( = actual dress missa ) / toga .

 B. COLOR FABRIC FABRIC-liturgical

Ecclesiastical colors have long been used in our worship space , especially for the tablecloths , cloth in mimbr ( antependium ) , long cloth on the cross ( big stolla ) and stolla imposed ecclesiastical ministry . Church clothed in alternating colors suitable ecclesiastical calendar .1 . whiteIs the epitome of bright colors , light a candle , the color for the role of the angel of God , the holy and the color for the glorified Christ . Color that symbolizes holiness and cleanliness . Therefore, this color is used in the future with regard to Christ's feast , for example Christmas , Easter , Ascension of Jesus , and the feast days such joy in the service of Baptism and Holy Communion . Used also of the Christmas season until the Sunday before the Epifania / Supper / Lord's Supper (6 January) and the day before Passover to Pentecost Sunday .2 . Purple ( violet rather )Is the darkest color in the color ecclesiastical shows remorse and genuine repentance . Used during the 40 days before Easter ( Sunday miserable ) and the period leading up to Christmas ( Week Adventus ) .3 . redIs the color of fire . Coat the full power of the Holy Spirit . Then used on the Feast of Pentecost . The color red also symbolizes the color of blood , loyalty until death , the fiery faith that is used in the Reformation anniversary , ordination houses of worship , sidhi , affirmation Pastor , Deacon and Elder . Also on Memorial Day Evangelism , pengijil mission and ecumenical feast days .4 . greenIs the complement of red color . Symbolizes healing , peace and spiritual growth . Is the color of hope . Green generosity preaching , salvation from God that heals and renews . Used on Trinity Sunday ( first Sunday after Pentecost , except the tribulation period , adventus , and other Christian holidays ) . Is also the meaning of the faith of the new growth .5 . pinkRose, is a weakening of the violet ( purple ) , symbol of remorse and repentance are restrained . That is , miserable may temporarily replaced with a smile to welcome the Christmas and Easter . Adventus used on Sunday 3rd and Sunday 5th miserable .6 . blackIs the most ancient liturgical color . Symbol of despair . This color is not used anymore . Should also be questioned about the liturgical color of the toga worn black pastor . Preaching is preaching that Christ has won , rightly so, they are exempt from the color of grief . Even the funeral service ( eg funeral services ) though , is actually the color violet ( Purple ) is better than black , because we had been allowed to live in Christ's victory .

C. VARIOUS OTHER SYMBOLS

 A. Alpha and Omega,

Is the first letter and the last letter of the Greek alphabet and is commonly used as a symbol of the eternity of God and the power of creation to Christ in eternity (Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the latter, the Beginning and the End "). The second letter is often combined with other symbols, such as crosses (conservation of works of salvation in Jesus Christ) and the Bible (God's Word eternity).

 B. water

Water is the source of life , but can be life threatening at the same time ( floods , storms at sea ... ) . Water also serves to wash or clean . In the Bible , the symbol is often associated with the saying that God as the fountain , freshness or source of life and justice , and that Jesus gives living water ( John 4:14 ) . Jesus washed the disciples' feet with water and cleansing from sin services . His disciples are called to do the same thing ( Jn 13:15 ) . But the rite of foot washing is still rarely practiced in Protestant worship . Water into the core symbols of the sacrament of baptism as a sign penbersihan ( from sin , from the power of death ) ; " the old adam " drowned in the waters of baptism , and the " new Adam " was born . Water is also a sign of acceptance of the Holy Spirit who unites us in the body of Christ , and a sign of God's grace given to us without preconditions . The water here is a symbol that makes us feel what is done by God alone , and do not understand the " magic " , so it does not depend on the manner or quantity of water ( only three drops " in the name of the Father , son and Holy Spirit " , or by submerging the entire body as practiced in the early church and by some denominations until now ) . Baptism is also not focused on formalities ( " convert to Christianity " ) or human repentance ( as emphasized in adult baptism ) , but the saving work of God himself ( which of course is not limited to those who have received the church ritual ) .

 C. altar

Reminiscent of both the church altar where sacrifices in the Old Testament and Jesus in the Passover table with muridmuridnya on the night before he was crucified. well as the use of altar communion table as well as the offerings (collections) still reflects the double meaning. In addition, the altar is usually decorated with symbols such as the cross, the Bible, candles, flowers, etc..; In church architecture, the altar is often placed directly in front of or below the pulpit to emphasize the unity of the sacraments (communion / altar) and the word (sermon / pulpit).

 D. flag

No special flag used as a symbol of Christianity, but many states and other institutions primarily use the cross symbol in their flag or emblem for mensimbolkan Christian values ​​as the basis for the country or group identity, although it can also be considered as a symbol of abuse religion is "the name of the Lord" for the sake of particular interest. In most church and state, the installation of state symbols such as the national flag in the sanctuary or on church buildings are not unusual or even rejected altogether, to emphasize the separation between politics and kepentingankepentingan universal mission of the church.

 E. candle

Candles are usually in turn in each of worship, at least not at Christmas devotions and worship Easter (Easter candle) as a symbol of Christ's life and become "light of the world" (Jn 8:12, cf Jn 1 etc..). Candle also reminds us of the call to be "salt and light of the world" (Mt 5:13-16); candles in general can be a symbol of human life is sacrificed themselves for the sake of his calling to illuminate the darkness. In a condolence prayer candle also represents eternal life, that a person who has died is in God's hands now. The fourth candle in the "Advent wreaths" is a symbol of hope that the light of the world to give birth (within the first week of Advent, one candle is lit, in the second week of the two ff.). While the seven candles in the "Menorah" (which also became a symbol of the Jewish religion) is often identified with the "seven gifts of the Spirit" (Isa 11:2; cf. Paul)

 F. bell

The sound of the bell is a symbol of worship and attention and call attention to the judgment of God. The bell is used both in joy (Easter, praising God in worship ...) and grief (the death, disaster ...). Contextually, bells can also be replaced by other instruments, such as wind instrument or drum .

G. pigeon

Dove in Christian tradition primarily understood as a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit reminds us of the events of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist (cf. Matt 3:16 Mark, Luke and John). A dove with an olive branch has become a universal symbol for peace and reminiscent of the story of Noah (Gen. 8:11), in which the olive leaf, a sign that the flood has receded and the symbol for God's covenant with humanity and all of creation . Sometimes, two doves are also used as a symbol of love.

 H. oil

Oil (olive oil, perfume or other valuable oil) in the Bible is a symbol of blessing and provision of God's authority in the rite of ordination as king of Israel. Oil is also used to anoint the dead. The second meaning is a symbolic background of the time Jesus was anointed by a woman (Matt. 26:7) and the women want to anoint Jesus' body. Oil also mingingatkan us the parable of the girls are wise and foolish (Matt. 25; oil for a lamp as a symbol of readiness for the coming of Jesus). In worship (or service to the sick), oil is mostly used as a symbol of blessing in the Catholic tradition, but sometimes also in Protestant or ecumenical worship.

 I. Trees and Plants

The tree is a symbol of life in general and in the Bible ( along with other plants ) is often associated with a person's life that is blessed , in accordance with the will of God and bear fruit . Decorate the church with greenery and bungabunga as a sign of life and praise for the beauty of God's creation is a very reasonable thing . Eg palm leaf as a symbol of worship , thanksgiving and homage to the Lord reminds us of Jesus in Jerusalem dieluelukan with " Hosanna ! Blessed is he who comes in the name of God , the King of Israel " ( Jn 12:13) . In particular , on Christmas Day , churches and homes and other public places are decorated with pine trees and other green rantingranting , which is decorated with candles , stars, fruit , cotton as snow etc. ( " Christmas tree " , " tree light " ... ) . Old pine tree is a symbol of the European culture to life even in the midst of difficult circumstances , because this is the only tree whose leaves do not fall , but he remained green during the cold season ( winter ) . Non - Christian symbol was raised by Christian traditions and symbols associated with other ( bright , star ... ) as a symbol of hope and life through Jesus Christ who was born in the midst dark world and unfriendly . Christmas tree is not necessarily a pine tree , but another tree could also represent a symbolic meaning above . Just a little contradictory to the " symbol of life " if the tree is used there is no tree leaves or plastic .

J. CROSS

The cross is the most famous symbol of the Christian symbol that points to the death of Jesus Christ on the cross in Golgata. Historical form with tools such executions are likely to form the "T" (cross "Tau"), and then became the cross that we know (usually called "Latin cross"). Sign of the cross or the cross has been known in many cultures and religions of pre-Christian with a variety of meanings, al immutability, perfection or cosmic relationship between the world and the transcendent, but also as a parting etc..; Cross in the Christian tradition has become a symbol of death and life. Cross reflects the solidarity of God with human suffering and the peak.

 K. XP

This symbol is an old symbol for Christ (and also for Christians) who established the first two letters of the name "Christ" in Greek. This symbol in some variation then often called "cross / cross of Christ" ("cross of Christ").

 L. Traditional symbols
Indonesian cultures are very rich with symbols that reflect human values ​​and attachment to the Divine . Contextual practices of the Church will try to understand the symbols in depth and see the meaning in the light of the Gospel . Thus , the spiritual life will be greatly enriched . This will continue to raise the Christian tradition interpret symbols of non - Christian faith in order to find the expression of authentic and relevant . Examples are traditional houses ( eg Tongkonan in culture Toraja , South Sulawesi Baruga in some cultures , etc. . ) As a symbol of harmony , or symbols used in rituals and community reconciliation ( eg rattan circle " Kalosara " in custom - Mekongga Tolaki , tumpengan in Javanese tradition , animal sacrifice in some traditions , etc. . ) . Challenge is to transform these symbols with the understanding that broke tribal exclusivism , magical understanding , and responding to God's work of salvation in Jesus Christ .

D. INTERACTION
Hopefully we know the meaning of various symbols and objects that exist or are often used in church liturgy we become aware and understand the meaning and symbol-the symbol keguanaan. Bless the Lord Jesus. Amen.