This icon, which I made, is inspired by the theme “Walk Holy, Live Worthy,” drawing from 1 Peter 1:16: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” The shepherd and sheep in the green pasture reflect Psalm 23, symbolizing guidance and care. The lamb represents Christ’s followers, as Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). The narrow green meadow leading to the cross on the right illustrates the biblical narrow path to heaven. The cross’s position on the right, also the gesture of weaving the sign of the cross from left to right, symbolizes the journey from darkness under Satan to becoming a child of God.
Above, a mystical cloud symbolizes God the Father, and a white dove, shaped like a flame, descends upon the shepherd, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s presence.
The shepherd figure represents teachers, bishops, clergy, and parents guiding the faithful. The wooden cross on a rock recalls the Cheppad cross, recently replaced after destruction but enduring as a symbol of faith.
The earthly kingdom is portrayed in blue and green hues, with a building connected by a red brick path, referencing the Wizard of Oz’s caution against the red road, representing earthly distractions from the path home.
A woman in white stands for wisdom and purity, reflecting biblical themes such as the bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8). Two boys symbolize friendship and mutual guidance; one points to the cross or shepherd, illustrating that “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17) and “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). This conveys that friends can be a blessing, encouraging and nurturing faith, sometimes more tangibly than scripture alone.
Light shines on both the shepherd and the earthly city, reflecting Christ’s role as the “Light of the world” (John 8:12). This illumination signifies God’s grace extending both to the faithful leaders and to the worldly city – meaning both the good and the imperfect are under God’s mercy and presence (Matthew 5:45). The light guiding the shepherd also shows spiritual vigilance and care, while the city’s light signifies hope and redemption available to all.
~ J GEORGE THOMAS aka A R T
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