the cross does not kill but keeps man alive.  For the just man lives by faith, but by faith in the Crucified One. Such a heart is to be in the midst of a white rose, to symbolize that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace; in a word it places the believer into a white joyful rose; for this faith does not give peace and joy as the world gives and, therefore, the rose is to be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and of all the angels. Such a rose is to be in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in the Spirit and in faith is a beginning of the future heavenly joy; it is already a part of faith, and is grasped through hope, even though not yet manifest. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that in heaven such blessedness lasts forever and has no end, and in addition is precious beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal. May Christ, our dear Lord, be with your spirit until the life to come.

The Triquetra

The Triquetra is often attributed to having Celtic origin.  In any case it has been adopted by Christains and as such is held to have the following meaning:

The triquetra is thus used in a  context to represent the trinity. These forms of the triquetra often include a circle to emphasize the unity of the three parts of the trinity.

It is sometimes called the trinity knot or the trinity circle.

The Luther Rose

The Luther Rose is truly an original Lutheran symbol and as such unique to the Lutheran Church. Martin Luther penned the description of the Luther Seal.  In short, it has the following meaning:

There is first to be a cross, black and placed in a heart, which should be of its natural color [red], so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For if one believes from the heart he will be justified. Even though it is a black cross, which mortifies and which also should hurt us, yet it leaves the heart in its natural color and does not ruin nature; that is,

The Cross

  Here is the symbol, which perhaps needs the least, or perhaps the most explanation.    The cross is the iconic representation of the all Christian faiths - it represents the death of Jesus and the basis of the Christian faith......or does it?

  The crucifixion of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind, his death, and his resurrection are the keystones of the Christian faith.  Christ died on the cross to atone for the sins of all peoples: past, present, and future.  He came to fulfill the covenant of the ten commandments - a tenement of works - which was not being fulfilled by the people.  recognizing that people were incapable of meeting their end of the agreement, God, who has never violated his covenants, sent the Begotten Son to walk among us, live the perfect life, and pay for all sins with the perfect sacrifice.  In this regard He has not violated the covenant of the ten, but has indeed upheld the covenant, while giving us release from that which we were incapable of accomplishing.  This is the origin of Grace - Grace comes from Jesus, who has been granted authority over us, and by this authority he requires our acknowledgment  that we are saved, not by our own hand, but by His sacrifice - and thus this further represents the concept of perfect love through sacrifice. Grace is "free" in this sense, yet comes at the most significant price we are called (but still capable) to pay: putting ourselves aside and serving God and others before ourselves.  The bottom line, the cross represents the bridge that brings us to God; not an instrument of death, but the promise of salvation and life everlasting!