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The Story of Immanuel

 

This banner was the first parade banner I made.  It came as a result of some major inner healing in my own life. Until a few months before, I was actually totally opposed to any sort of flags or banners. Tambourines I could cope with as they were less distracting (but noisy). But God had other plans and healed me enough that I started getting pictures.  It was in November 1996. There was going to be a worship banner workshop at a church in St. Catharines. I decided to go to only the evening sessions to ‘check it out’.  As I was scrubbing a bathroom that morning (a great activity to pray during), God gave me the picture for Immanuel. I went to the workshop and was very intimidated by the very ornate and elaborate banners displayed at the meeting. I determined that if this banner was to be made it would not be as ‘gaudy’ as the ones there. I shared the design with others from Lakemount Worship Centre and we felt it should be made and used during the Christmas presentation in less than one month! We had to work fast.

The whole meaning for Immanuel is God With Us. The pastor was preaching about God coming to earth and the ramifications that had for us. The Infant Jesus is depicted on stylized hay. The star that announced His arrival on earth has a red Cross extending from heaven to earth. The light from the star also has red sequining, indicating His glory and His sacrifice. The crown circling the Cross is made of gold leaves, not thorns, indicating His victory over death. (Laurel wreaths were worn by the victors in Greek and Roman times)

The colour silver is prominent in the banner as it is a colour symbolizing Jesus. His betrayal was paid for in silver (Matt 26:14,15); Jesus is called the Word (John 1:1) and the Psalms describe the Word as refined silver (Psalm 12:6).

The verse on the back of the banner is from John 1:1, 14 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us.