Banners have played a big part in the decorations of our churches. Many centuries back they often took the form of fantastic tapestries woven in great detail. They were often done to illustrate stories of the Bible.

They have flown during military engagements back in the old days to designate an assembly point for soldiers to assemble and move forward together (or retreat sometimes).

We use banners a lot in LWML. One of my favorite moments at national LWML conventions is the district banner procession where 40 different interpretations of the convention theme are carried in by the LWML District Presidents and their Young Woman Representatives. It is always so beautiful and uplifting.

Much like the tapestries of old, our banners serve to convey a message, a story and for those of us who are visual learners, they often help us digest a thought or teaching by what they say and what they look like.

They also serve as a rallying point for us. The wonderful prophetic chapter 11 of Isaiah mentions banners twice. Verse 10 (NIV) says, In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. Again, in verse 12 it goes on, He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.

I share this banner that my friend, Barb, made with the new LWML logo. It is really beautiful. She has a talent for banner making that she uses and dedicates to the Lord. She serves His people by using her God-given gifts of artistry. She is a blessing.

I know many of you also “raise banners” for the Lord. You rally His people around a thought. You do it for the glory of the Lord. Many of you will be making banners for Easter and for your upcoming LWML district conventions. I know you will be doing it for the glory of God!

As you do, think of that day when the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples, the nations. By the work of the Holy Spirit, our work in LWML will help bring those peoples and nations the saving Gospel message that will be the ultimate rallying point for all of us.

Patti