BANNERS
Another name for banners is “STANDARDS”
Another name for banners is “STANDARDS”
Banners are the highly decorated flags that are carried at the front of parades, especially of armies as seen every year at the Trooping of the Colour and the Queen’s official birthday celebrations. Unions and other organisations also declare their identity with banners.
In the military they were an important focal point for troops when going into battle, representing the spirit and ethos of the regiment. Thus the soldier who carried the standard was of critical tactical importance in motivating the troops to advance and if he was brought down, it was his sworn duty to pass the standard to another soldier before he died. If he could not, one of his comrades would pick it up immediately and carry it onward. Having the colours taken by the enemy was ultimate disgrace for the regiment.
In the military they were an important focal point for troops when going into battle, representing the spirit and ethos of the regiment. Thus the soldier who carried the standard was of critical tactical importance in motivating the troops to advance and if he was brought down, it was his sworn duty to pass the standard to another soldier before he died. If he could not, one of his comrades would pick it up immediately and carry it onward. Having the colours taken by the enemy was ultimate disgrace for the regiment.
In the Christian world, banners are used to depict various aspects of Spiritual life - healing, pastoring, fellowship, children’s ministry, inspirational biblical verses, etc. The list is endless.
In these instances, illustrations depicting the subject are placed upon the backcloth using appliqué, decoupage or embroidery. They can range from simple messages to extravagantly beautiful, almost priceless, works of art.
They can then be hung on the church wall and on special occasions, paraded before the congregation just like the banners of old.
Their role in the church is to inspire, remind and educate the people but essentially to proclaim and confirm the righteousness and grace of God and to lift His holy Name
In these instances, illustrations depicting the subject are placed upon the backcloth using appliqué, decoupage or embroidery. They can range from simple messages to extravagantly beautiful, almost priceless, works of art.
They can then be hung on the church wall and on special occasions, paraded before the congregation just like the banners of old.
Their role in the church is to inspire, remind and educate the people but essentially to proclaim and confirm the righteousness and grace of God and to lift His holy Name
- encourage and strengthen the troops (church)
- defeat the powers of darkness
- acknowledge and rejoice in victory
- praise and worship the Lord
- bless and honour the name of God
References:
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We will shout for joy when you are victorious and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
But for those who fear You, You have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.
He has taken me to the banquet hall and his banner over me is love.
Raise up a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them,
Beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles
But for those who fear You, You have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.
He has taken me to the banquet hall and his banner over me is love.
Raise up a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them,
Beckon to them to enter the gates of the nobles
Psalm 24:7,8
Lift up your heads, oh ye gates,
And be lifted up O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle,
He is the King of glory.
Lift up your heads, oh ye gates,
And be lifted up O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle,
He is the King of glory.
So remember - banners are intended to:
St Mary’s Maidenhead, Berks, UK
picture from “Making and Using Banners”
(courtesy of Priscilla Nunnerly)
picture from “Making and Using Banners”
(courtesy of Priscilla Nunnerly)
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