Behold the Lamb: An Introduction to Christian Symbolism

by Pamela Nielsen

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mary Moerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a glorious set of three books, written by three Lutheran authors but unified through illustration by Arthur Kirchhoff with calligraphy by Edward Q. Luhmann. Coming out successively in 2006, 2009, and 2019, these can make a timeless addition to your family library.

First came Worshiping with Angels and Archangels: An Introduction to the Divine Service by Rev. Scot Kinnaman. Next, this one: Ordering Our Days in His Peace: An Introduction to the Christian Church Year by Rev. H. R. Curtis. Finally, the trilogy is completed by Behold the Lamb: An Introduction to the Signs and Symbols of the Church by Deaconess Pamela Nielsen. All of them are suitable for all ages, particularly as coffee table books, light references, and family instruction. (Self-readers can enjoy them once they are out of beginner books.)

This is an excellent book, really highlighting Deac. Pam Nielsen’s ability to grasp and work with children and their religious instruction.

Behold the Lamb is a book for all ages. It introduces many of the most basic signs and symbols used in the historic church and ties them to the teaching of the Word. Ideal for family use or coffee table reference, watercolors and calligraphy let us feast our eyes even as we ask, “What are symbols?” (That’s literally a question that sets up the rest of the content.)

The book includes:

Symbols about God
Symbols about God the Father
Symbols of the Old Testament
Symbols of God the Son
The Cross (or should I say crosses! :))
The Holy Spirit
The Word of God
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
The Office of the Keys
The Sacrament of the Altar
Prayers
Advent (including the seven O Antiphons)
Christmas
Epiphany
Symbols of our Lord’s Passion
Easter
Evangelists and Apostles (I really, really appreciate that these were included!)
Luther’s Rose

The signs and symbols are informative and reflective, but neither exhaustive or exhausting. Vocabulary terms include sacrifice, altar, sacraments, triune, nave, nimbus (so some art words), ICHTHUS, etc. Solid terms that anyone from elementary age on can learn and master, mostly common with a few more specialized inclusions. Really, the glossary in the back makes a very helpful list of vocabulary for kids, catechumens, and other new members to learn.

Some liturgical and church year elements are treated briefly, and things such as paraments and vestments are explained.

Lutherans will particularly appreciate the holistic nature of each treatment: introductory, yes, but still substantial. There are definite catechetical elements, such as treating all six chief parts (law, creed, prayer, Baptism, Lord’s Supper, Office of the Keys) and the Gospel is well proclaimed.

Overall, it’s just a wonderful tool to walk through many of the major elements of historic Christianity. Great for elementary through adult introduction, catechumen instruction, new member classes, baptismal gifts, church libraries, family devotions, and coffee tables.

Good work, Concordia Publishing House, in publishing something that will continue to meet this need so well! This should become a classic for Lutheran religious instruction or any other liturgical instruction!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a trilogy covering Lutheran basics, this book brought me back to my seventh and eighth grade Confirmation classes. I attended a Lutheran school that was attached to the church I grew up in. I remember filing into the sanctuary and being taught all the symbolism that is incorporated into so much that we see, both obvious and subtle. The designs on the paraments, the altar, the pulpit, the stained glass windows. They weren't just there to be pretty; they meant something. They illustrated God's story and the people who went out and shared the Good News firsthand. There is a richness to the many layers and I relished the opportunity to relive my Christian education through the simple text and the vibrant illustrations. I will be looking around me in church this week with renewed eyes, recalling the importance of the symbols that surround me and the message of grace, mercy, salvation, and servitude they represent.