WHAT DOES MESSIAH'S LOGO MEAN?

The most distinguishable feature of the logo is the cross.  This is as it should be, as Lutheran Christians, our faith centers on the cross.  The cross tells us that we are saved only through Christ's death and resurrection by God's grace.

There are layers upon layers of crosses including the St. Andrew's cross shaped like an "X".  St. Andrew was one of Jesus' disciples so this reminds us that we are all Christ's disciples called to tell the good news of our salvation to all.  St. Andrew lived in an unsure world but reassured many by the example of his faith.  He was crucified for his faith on an x-shaped cross as he did not feel worthy to be crucified on a cross in the same manner as his Lord.

There are 4 squares in the middle of the logo that can represent God's creative works, especially works associate with the earth: 

4 cardinal directions of North, South, East and West

4 angels at the 4 corners of the earth holding back the 4 winds of the world;

4 seasons;

4 divisions of the day - morning, noon, evening and midnight;

4 rivers flowed out of Eden; and,

the 4 Gospels.

The 4 outer lines in lavender remind us of Messiah's vision statement - Creating Christ Centered Community.  Notice there are many openings to Christ Centered Community allowing plenty of places for people to enter in and plenty of ways we can go out to serve.

Also, the cross and its points are quite reminiscent of the 4 points of a compass and have a directional feel of arrows, reminds us we are to go to all nations with the good news of Jesus found in Matthew 28: 19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The entirety of the logo has a stained glass feel to it which reminds us of our strong traditions; however, it is quite stylized to remind us that traditions cannot freeze us in the past as times change.  We hold fast to the unchanging gospel, but change the methods to convey the good news in ways that are fresh to new generations.

The colors are hopeful - blue much as the blue wall of the sanctuary is hopeful.  The blue, and variations of the color blue, are calming, reassuring, friendly and the color most people are drawn to.  The soft purples satisfy the need for reassurance in a complex world while adding a hint of mystery and excitement while moving people toward a feeling of spirituality and being centered.  The deeper purple recalls Jesus' royalty; he is the Messiah.

When someone asks you what the design means, there are many different responses you can give to introduce them to Messiah and to THE MESSIAH.