The empty, draped cross is symbolic of the resurrection of our Lord. The cloak itself holds meaning as it represents righteousness. Here it hangs as a triangular form, a traditional symbol of the Trinity.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
(1 Corinthians 15:54)

"It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'"
(Luke 23:44-45a; 46a)

The keys, representing condemnation and restoration, form an "X" or Chi, an abbreviation of "Christ" derived from the first letter of the Greek word for Christ.

"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
(Matthew 16:19)

"I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name - the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one."
(John 17:11)

From the earliest centuries of Christianity, the ship with a cross-shaped masthead has been a symbol of the church. The imagery of the ship being tossed about by stormy waves, yet reaching its destination, is descriptive of the Church as it is opposed by persecution and heresy.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."
(Hebrews 10:23)

PAUL MYHILL ART • For more information: studio@paulmyhill.com • Copyright 2002 Paul Myhill