In delving more deeply into the coat of arms, I found a lot of interesting symbolism that was remarkably close to much of our particular family.
- Red: Indicates warrior, martyr, military strength and magnanimity.
- Two of our three sons were in the military; John and all of our sons are generous men
- Horse: Indicates readiness for action, battle on behalf of the king
- All of the John Hambrick men are ready to do whatever is called upon them to do without wavering.
- Tower: Able to see danger from a distance
- John and the boys have a good head for looking toward the future and preparing for it as much as any human can.
- The Four Crosses Moline: The four-fold mysteries of the cross/crusades participation
- I don't know about crusades participation, but the four-fold mysteries of the cross are
- Christ's death was at once sacrificial, forgiving, loving and victorious
- I don't know about crusades participation, but the four-fold mysteries of the cross are
- Honestom utili praefero: I prefer honesty to profit
- John and our boys are examples of this motto.
It's fascinating to look into the Coat of Arms lore for the ancient family crests. The House of Names gives a lot of information, but there were some symbols I couldn't find. Everything in the coat of arms means something.
I love history, and as I was looking at this, I thought about creating a crest that would reflect Christianity. Please pardon some of the artwork, but it was fun doing it.
- Red: The Blood of Jesus shed for us
- Green: Hope, joy and loyalty in love: the Eternal and Faithful love of God
- Thorns: The thorns surround the shield represent – to me – the suffering of Jesus
- Crest with crown: Jesus is the King, a Mighty Warrior
- The Lion and the Lamb: Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God
- The manger, the star and the book: Jesus is the Word made flesh
- The crowned dove: Jesus is the Prince of Peace
- The four crosses: the four-fold mysteries of the cross
- : Alpha and Omega – Jesus was here before time, and will be here when time is no more
- IXOYE: Jesus Christ Son of God
- Verbum caro factum est. XIV Loannes: "The Word became flesh" John 1:14
As Christians we have a rich heritage that spans centuries. To forget that heritage or leave it behind is to forget what the Lord has done for us.
I am so grateful to belong to the family of God. We have heroes and we have examples of what the Lord is calling us to do. His Word is our sustenance, and the music we have that glorifies God – both old and new – is a source of great strength and courage.
I am grateful for the heritage I have as a Christian.
Thank You, Lord!