Risen Jesus on the Cross: The cross at our altar that causes questions for newcomers.
While not exclusively Anglican, this is something that is hanging on our wall. Many wonder why Jesus is still on the cross since we are people of the resurrection. But if you look closely at the cross behind the altar, Jesus is not actually nailed, but standing in front of it as a sign of conquering. He offers the scars for us to see. And He is dressed in the traditional garments of a priest. This is a reminder that Jesus is our Great High Priest, Who continually intercedes and mediates on our behalf. He offered Himself, once and for all, as a perfect and acceptable sacrifice for our sins. When you look at the cross, remember that you have a High Priest Who has suffered and was tempted in every way, but did not sin; nor did He turn away from us when we needed Him the most.
Scripture Reflection: Hebrews 4:14-16 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
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The Paschal Candle: The biggest candle in the church. (pronounced pa·skl)
This candle is lit for the first time in the church year at Easter, representing the “new fire” of Jesus’ resurrection. In the same way that we snuff the candles at the Altar on Maundy Thursday to remind us that the Light of Jesus was taken from this world, the Paschal Candle (from Pascha, the Latin word for Passover) is lit to remind us of His presence with His people. It is always the largest candle in a church, and there are records of some of these candles being enormous (in the middle ages, the Paschal candle at Salisbury Cathedral is reported to have been 36 feet tall!). Watch for the candle being extinguished during the Scripture readings on Ascension, and then relit on Pentecost).
Scriptural Reflection: John 1:4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought Light to everyone.
The Paschal Candle: The biggest candle in the church. (pronounced pa·skl)
This candle is lit for the first time in the church year at Easter, representing the “new fire” of Jesus’ resurrection. In the same way that we snuff the candles at the Altar on Maundy Thursday to remind us that the Light of Jesus was taken from this world, the Paschal Candle (from Pascha, the Latin word for Passover) is lit to remind us of His presence with His people. It is always the largest candle in a church, and there are records of some of these candles being enormous (in the middle ages, the Paschal candle at Salisbury Cathedral is reported to have been 36 feet tall!). Watch for the candle being extinguished during the Scripture readings on Ascension, and then relit on Pentecost).
Scriptural Reflection: John 1:4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought Light to everyone.
The Tabernacle: The giant gold container just behind the altar.
From the earliest days of the church, a portion of consecrated Bread and Wine were set aside for those unable to attend worship services. Because we believe that God is present in Communion, these portions needed to be set apart from everyday bread and wine. As such, early churches would store them in special Tabernacles, the term used for the special tent of God's presence erected while Israel wandered in the desert. Tabernacles are made with precious metals, gems, or cedar wood in order to reflect the preciousness inside.
Scriptural Reflection: John 1:14 So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
The Alb: The white robe that altar servers, acolytes and clergy wear for the service.
These robes probably came out of simple everyday Roman wear (just like the Chasuble!). But the Alb serves an additional purpose. We wear the simple white robe as a way to make the server disappear into the glory of God’s purity and brightness. Whatever fanciness we might have on underneath is covered by God’s glory instead. Additionally, we recall that in John’s Vision of the Kingdom of God, every worshipper in Heaven is clothed in pure, white robes that have been “washed in the Blood of the Lamb.” His death covers our sin, just as our robes cover us. By His Blood we are washed clean.
Scriptural Reflection: Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into [the New Jerusalem].
The Chasuble: That big smock that our priest wears for the celebration of Communion. (pronounced cha·suh·bl)
The Chasuble was developed from the everyday outfit of everyday Romans (when performing Christian ministry, a priest would wear his nicest and cleanest clothes, which is likely how this became part of the priestly garb in the church). Chasuble comes from the Latin word for “little house” and is supposed to be a strong reminder that priests walk under the “yoke of Christ” (kind of the same idea as a stole). It also serves as a reminder that we have a Great and True High Priest, Jesus Christ, interceding for us in heaven. A priest wears this at Communion to remind us that we are receiving a foretaste of our heavenly banquet. (It will be white/gold through all of Easter season to represent new light and life).
Scriptural Reflection: Hebrews 4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
The Chasuble: That big smock that our priest wears for the celebration of Communion. (pronounced cha·suh·bl)
The Chasuble was developed from the everyday outfit of everyday Romans (when performing Christian ministry, a priest would wear his nicest and cleanest clothes, which is likely how this became part of the priestly garb in the church). Chasuble comes from the Latin word for “little house” and is supposed to be a strong reminder that priests walk under the “yoke of Christ” (kind of the same idea as a stole). It also serves as a reminder that we have a Great and True High Priest, Jesus Christ, interceding for us in heaven. A priest wears this at Communion to remind us that we are receiving a foretaste of our heavenly banquet. (It will be white/gold through all of Easter season to represent new light and life).
Scriptural Reflection: Hebrews 4:14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
The Stripping of the Altar: A tradition remaining from very ancient worship services commemorating Maundy (Commandment) Thursday. Following the Celebration of Communion, the church participates in removing all decorative symbols and articles from the church building. This, as well as the general covering of all gilded symbols of Resurrection, is to remind us “of the humiliation and barrenness of the Cross.” Of course, at Easter, we recall that He has accomplished for us victory and life. On this day, all of the symbols and beauty return as a picture of resurrection.
Scriptural Reflection: Isaiah 53:2 There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him.
The Stripping of the Altar: A tradition remaining from very ancient worship services commemorating Maundy (Commandment) Thursday. Following the Celebration of Communion, the church participates in removing all decorative symbols and articles from the church building. This, as well as the general covering of all gilded symbols of Resurrection, is to remind us “of the humiliation and barrenness of the Cross.” Of course, at Easter, we recall that He has accomplished for us victory and life. On this day, all of the symbols and beauty return as a picture of resurrection.
Scriptural Reflection: Isaiah 53:2 There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him.
