The center of the Easter Banner boldly proclaims, "HE IS RISEN!" When Mary went to the tomb on Sunday morning, she looked inside and saw two angels in the place where the body of the Lord had been laid, one at the head and one at the foot (John 20:11 ff). This picture brings to mind the description of the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat in the OT (Exodus 37:1-9). The blood which Jesus shed on the cross and which stained his burial place has indeed been sprinkled for our forgiveness on the Heavenly Mercy Seat. This truth is symbolized by the use of burgundy red color on a predominantly white, yellow, and gold banner. These latter colors are liturgically correct for the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. Four small circles depict different animals which are useful in telling the story of salvation: (top) the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world; (right) a butterfly which symbolizes death, resurrection,transformation; a pelican (bottom) which, according to legend plucks its breast to feed its young during times of famine, and thus symbolizes Christ's giving of himself, the Bread of Life; and (left) a phoenix who, according to legend perishes in fire and rises anew from the ashes, also a picture of the risen Christ.
Words on the perimeter repeat songs of praise from Revelations 5:12 and 7:12: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!" and Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever, Amen!"
