Last week, I was preaching from 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, and I quoted these verses – emphasising the need to let the Gospel ‘ring out’
Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction … you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.The Lord’s message RANG OUT from you … your faith in God has become known everywhere.
“It’s a Gospel Bell” I said to the stallholder. He looked baffled. “The design is full of Christian symbolism” I showed him the wording round the top Agnus, Leo, Aquila, Pelicanus
- Agnus = lamb. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
- Leo = lion. This represents kingship, the lion being the King of the Beasts. The lion is the symbol of St Mark, the Gospel writer. Jesus is the Lion Of Judah
- Aquila = eagle. The eagle soars high, representing divinity, and is the symbol of St John the Evangelist. Jesus is the divine Son of God
- Pelicanus = pelican. According to legend, the pelican pierces its own breast to feed its young, therefore giving its life blood to save its own. This represents the atonement – Jesus shed his blood for the remission of our sin.
Also round the bell, between these animals, there are lilies and ladders. The ladder represents the ladder used at the crucifixion, the former represents purity of Christ [or sometimes the Virgin Mary] and because the Easter lily springs from a seemingly lifeless bulb, it represents the resurrection. The Gospel story in a little brass bell barely 4” high. The stall holder was fascinated, and said he was a Christian, and he belongs to a church in Peterborough. “I almost wish I hadn’t sold it now I know its story” he said. I assured him it would be well used, probably when I am talking to children in church.
I brought it back to Cornerstones, and gave it a good polish. Look!
It has a lovely clear ring to it too. What a bargain!
A lovely post, thank you 😊
ReplyDeletewhat would it be used for? would it have been rung before the Gospel reading? or is the name "Gospel bell" just because of the decoration?
ReplyDeleteit is a lovely little thing, especially now you have lovingly polished it. How do you plan to use it?
How lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe bell is lovely, I have learned something new today - I'd never heard of a Gospel Bell before.
ReplyDeleteCarolx
What a wonderful find, and how lovely it looks in its newly polished state.
ReplyDeleteI think the name is simply from the design. I suspect this little one is purely ornamental- but I have found much larger ones pictured on the internet which originally belonged to churches. Maybe they were used in Catholic masses, when a bell is rung during the service.
ReplyDeleteI shall use mine when I go out preaching at different churches , and I'm asked to give a talk to the children. I think they would finds the symbolism of the different animals interesting, and it would be a fun object lesson.
What a find!
ReplyDeleteJane x
What an interesting item and yes, children would love it. I remember being utterly fascinated by the symbolism of the Christingle too and I've never forgotten it!x
ReplyDeleteA bargain indeed. What a beautiful find.
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
What a lucky find, maybe it was just waiting for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite amazing! Is it actually silver?
ReplyDeleteno Floss- sadly just brass- but it has polished up so well it looks really good.
DeleteWhat a great find. What a beautiful story it tells.
ReplyDeleteI have the exact same bell. It rings a nice clear 'G'.
ReplyDeleteHi what a wonderful find, I have one exactly the same Bell,Didn't know what it was meant for untill I went online,I brought mind at the heart charity shop for a £1, I always kept it near my Greek orthodox religious shrine and Icons always, Even though I didn’t know what the bell was meant for i just placed it there for some reason don't know why and I'm very happy and glad I did,Now that I know what the bell means and when I light up my tea light and say my prayers I will keep it there always it was meant to be.
ReplyDeleteI bought mine from a car boot sale for a couple of pounds and went online to discover its meaning- and here I am! Praise the Lord Jesus Christ this Easter for a gospel bell! ( I had forgotten the story about the pelican and was wondering what the connection was - thank you for your post)
ReplyDeleteHi Grandtitles, thanks for your comment - I am glad you have a gospel bell. I am still blogging - Happy Easter
DeleteI bought one today. I didn't know what it was either. Your story goes into more detail than I have found elsewhere, the ladders and the Lilies., thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope you enjoy your bell! 🔔🔔
DeleteI have just bought one . Wanted to find out more so I googled it it came up with your story I fell away from the church a long time ago been really struggling .
ReplyDeleteThis I believe confirmed it for me he's calling me to pray and not feel defeated by my pain .
As I feel worn and troubled .🙏
God bless you. I am praying you find a Christian friend who will help you find your way back to a place of peace and hope. Hang on to the promises in Isaiah chapter 43, and Romans 8 verse 38
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