The cross is the axis of the world; it is the Tree of Life. In the icon, Golgotha is the site of Adam’s burial (represented by the skull). The blood of Christ flows onto humanity represented by Adam and Eve. The cross echoes the tree from which Adam and Eve ate. “The tree of shame was made the tree of glory; and where life was lost, there life has been restored.”
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‘How brightly shines the morning star!
With grace and truth from heaven afar
Our Jesse tree now bloweth….
Thy word, Jesu, Inly feeds us,
Rightly leads us, Life bestowing.
Praise, O praise such love o’erflowing. ‘
Hope you are all safe there in Christchurch Bosco.
Thanks, Bosco. Your meditation on the icon and the truths it represents has moved me almost to tears.
Trevor