I didn’t do my long-published Advent Series this year. I don’t have strength or energy for anything extra. I did decide that today, slightly past half-way in the advent, I would repeat last year’s post on this date. I hope you enjoy reading it again. I hope you have a hope and trust in Christ that surpasses all doubts. May God continue to bless you through this season and into the new year.
Today’s name of Christ is Corner Stone. Suddenly, I understand the churches which bear the name of Corner Stone in more than an architectural sense! The scripture that accompanies today’s name is Ephesians 2:20. I expanded that to 20-24, and I think you’ll understand why when you read it. It makes more sense together.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
It is used as an architectural parallel, and it makes sense to us today, as it did to the early saints in Ephesus. If you haven’t read the entire chapter lately, today is a good day to read of the hope and purpose of Christ by reviewing chapter 2 in its entirety. I especially love these two verses toward the beginning:
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Until I read these verses, I had not thought in terms of us being dead in sins, until Christ became the sacrifice for us. We are saved from the sin-death while we live, and have victory over the physical death when we depart this earth. Two deaths the Corner Stone of the temple of the Lord has saved us from. All we need to do is believe and live in his likeness as much as we are able. Christ himself makes up the difference, makes up the lack we have.
Well, what is the purpose of a corner stone? I found this interesting information on Bill Whittaker’s website. He is a registered architect, so he knows his buildings. Scroll down to his video on the home page for an interesting look at him.
The cornerstone’s three distinct characteristics distinguish it from the other stones used in construction; building orientation, history, and celebration.
History, the cornerstone was the first stone set during the building process. Careful measurements were taken to ensure the cornerstone was square to ensure the proper alignment of the remainder of the building.
In the past, buildings were designed and built in relation to certain astronomical points of the compass. Ancient cultures believed that the position of heavenly bodies regulated life, fortune, and success; therefore, cornerstones were commonly placed facing the Northeast because it was thought this location would bring harmony and prosperity to the building and its owners. The ancient civilizations often performed a ceremonial ritual when the cornerstone was placed.
The architects, builders, owners, dignitaries or religious leaders would place a sacrifice, such as wine, grain, water, or even blood offering, atop the cornerstone and dedicate it to their gods. In other cultures, relics and artifacts of the community’s patron saint were placed inside the cornerstone. They believed the saint would bless the church and its members.
In the early 19th and 20th century, cornerstones were hollowed out and placed in a prominent location on the front of a building. These stones often had an inscription, such as the name of the owner, the name of the builder, or the year the structure was built. Often, the cornerstone was hollowed out, and important documents, newspaper clippings, books, or photographs were placed into a metal receptacle and then placed inside the hollowed-out area in the cornerstone before it was put in place.
You may pass by cornerstones without ever noticing them; however, you can find a great deal of information about the building from these inscribed stones. They are often found on historic buildings and homes in communities around the world.
So looking at Christ as a corner stone of our faith, of our lives, it would be wise to start early. Many of us were set on the gospel path by our parents from our earliest year. That setting is our alignment to Christ, to a life of serving others, to a life of being rescued from sin.
Our “celestial” or “astronomical” direction would again be Christ. Don’t we all think of Heaven as being out there in the sky somewhere? Or is that just me, still going with my childhood understanding? I guess if we carried this analogy far enough, we could look on our baptism as a ritual that binds us to our Corner Stone.
Our Corner Stone also has documents! We have the Holy Bible, the word of God to ancient people and to us, as well. Finally, a sacrifice is asked of us. We are asked for a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and when we offer these to the Lord, does he not bless us spiritually and even temporally? In so many ways, I see this name of Christ as fitting and definitive.
Those are my thoughts on this name. What are yours?
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