Ad Crucem Set of 2 Banners - The Four Gospels

SET OF TWO LITURGICAL CHURCH BANNERS FEATURING THE FOUR EVANGELISTS AND THE MEANS OF GRACE

Lamb Victorious 
The Lamb Victorious adorns the center of each banner. The lamb is a historic symbol of Christ — in this instance as the victorious Lamb of God (Agnus Dei - John 1:29; John 1:36; 1 Corinthians 5:7; throughout Revelation, but especially Rev. 5:5–14 and Rev. 17:14) carrying a banner with a cross (the vexillum), and often gashed in the side. The lamb is sometimes also represented lying on a book with seven seals attached to it. The lamb is central to the book of Revelation as both redeemer and judge.

Gospel Author Symbols
Icons and symbols have been associated with the four evangelists — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — since as far back as the third century, and have been in widespread use since the fifth century.

The most frequently used symbols for the Gospel writers represent four creatures: a winged man, winged lion, winged ox, and eagle. The basis for these symbols comes from the four “living creatures” mentioned in Ezekiel 1 and 10, and Revelation 4. They are most commonly shown with just the head and wings. A nimbus around the head is also commonly used.

The arrangement or order of the symbols varies considerably. When the Gospel symbols appear together it is known as a Tetramorph. Gospel Books usually display all four symbols together.

Since medieval times, Christianity has adopted Saint Jerome’s (347-420) iconography:

1. St. Matthew, the winged man or angel — because his Gospel starts by tracing the human lineage of Christ (Incarnation - Christ’s humanity).
2. St. Mark, the winged lion — because he opens his Gospel with the voice crying in the wilderness, John the Baptist (Resurrection - Christ’s Kingship).
3. St. Luke, the winged ox — because of his detailed account of the sacrificial death of our Lord (Sacrificial Death - Christ as High Priest).
4. St. John, the eagle — because, from John 1 to the end of Revelation, he carries us on eagle’s wings to the throne of heaven (Ascension - Christ’s Divinity).
   

Old Testament Prophets

1. Isaiah — the book is rich with prophecies about Christ and already has an identity as the “Fifth Gospel”.
2. Daniel — Daniel has a vision (Dan. 7:13) of “one like the son of man” coming on clouds of heaven to replace earthly kingdoms with God’s Kingdom where the righteous in Christ will reign forever.
3. Ezekiel — has repeating themes of Justification (especially chapters 6 & 7) and the kept promises of salvation through a Messiah (chapters 40-48).
4. Jeremiah — powerful Law-Gospel themes such as the frightening judgments of all (especially chapter 17) yet great promises of God’s grace to save those whom He calls to faith (chapter 31).
   

Gospel Scrolls

1. Matthew 11:28-30 — reminds us that salvation is certain, easy, and joyful when we stop making it something we must accomplish or strive for.
2. Romans 1:16-17 — proclaims in a compact and clear form what the Good News is and what it accomplishes for sinners granted repentance and forgiveness.
   

LEFT SIDE BANNER

• Verse: Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith."
• Gospels: St. Matthew and St. Luke 
• Sacraments: Lamp (the Word of Christ) and Communion Host
• Prophets: Isaiah and Daniel

RIGHT SIDE BANNER

• Verse: Matthew 11:29-30 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
• Gospels: St. John and St. Mark 
• Sacraments: Baptism Shell and Communion Chalice
• Prophets: Ezekiel and Jeremiah

1. Large: 3.25 feet x 9 feet. 
2. Medium: 3 feet x 6 feet
3. Units: 1 x "Left" banner and 1 x "Right" banner. 

Material:
Heavyweight poplin fabric that is very durable, and fully hemmed with two pole pockets at the top and bottom. It retains its vibrant color and shape whilst also being abrasion, chlorine, and pilling resistant over many years, especially if handled with care. This fabric may be hand washed and steamed.

Hanging Hardware:

1. It is recommended to use a 1 1/8 dowel for the pole pockets at the top and bottom.
1. Dowels are easily available from any of the home improvement stores and Ace Hardware. Select dowels that are straight!
   
2. Sanding with 320 grit sandpaper will prevent any snagging when you slide the dowels into the pole pockets.
2. Cut the dowels to the width of the selected banner.
3. Insert self-tapping stainless steel eye screws at each end - 3/32" x 7/8" should be adequate.
4. Hang the banners with 2.5 mm paracord in a color that most closely matches the hanging wall.
1. After cutting the paracord to size, burn the ends with a lighter for a short time to prevent fraying.
2. Knot the paracord to the eyelets and adjust the length until both banners are hanging at the same height.