Symbols of Christ: The Lamb

On a chair in Temple Church, London.

For millennia, lambs have been used as sacrificial victims for many religions, particularly for the Israelites in the Old Testament. According to the Law of Moses, the lamb, particularly the firstling and purest of the flock, was sacrificed as a symbol of the Messiah and Savior, the firstborn son of God, who would come and sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world. Thus, the lamb became the universal symbol  of Christ to Christians, and "The Lamb of God" has become a title of the Savior since John the Baptist's proclamation of it. The lamb also symbolizes a renewal or resurrection, as it comes with Spring, again a direct reflection of the Savior and His role. It is interesting to note that Christ is both the Lamb and the Shepherd, and that, because He is the Lamb of God, He can be the Shepherd for the rest of God's flock/children: us.

A World War II memorial on the stone floor of Temple Church, London.

Depictions of a lamb in Christian art usually also include a cross or a banner. The banner is often used to rally the people, for war or for protection, or to glory victory. Thus, in connection with the symbol of the lamb, the banner as a symbol can be interpreted as either an invitation to come unto Christ or as a joyful proclamation of His victory over both physical and spiritual death.

On the facade of the cathedral of Orvieto, Italy. I find this one photo particularly symbolic as the lamb and cross are within a circle, a symbol of eternity and resurrection, all of which is surrounded by the celtic knot, a symbol of the Trinity [more on the celtic knot later].

A remnant of a piece of medieval art in the museum of Fontenay Abbey, France. It is possible that it was in the center of a Christogram.

A grave stone in Fontenay Abbey, France.