This logo features, simple, striking design, both sharp and rounded edges, and features a stylized cross at the center-representing our desire to keep Christ forefront in our work and in our brand. The cross and the Ichthus, also known as the fish symbol, are both significant symbols in Christian symbolism. The heart has represented Crosslines Food Pantry since its founding in 1969.
1. Cross:
- The cross is perhaps the most widely recognized symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- It symbolizes sacrifice, redemption, and the central tenet of the Christian faith-the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
- The vertical beam of the cross is often associated with the divine and the horizontal beam with the earthly, signifying the intersection of the spiritual and the material realms in Christ.
- The cross serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ ultimate act of love and the foundational belief in the Christian faith.
- At CCO, our first program was named “Crosslines” to reflect the intersection of compassion and action at the foot of the cross.
2. Ichthus (Fish Symbol):
- The Ichthus is an ancient Christian symbol that consists of two intersecting arcs, resembling a fish. The word “Ichthus” is the Greek word for fish.
- During the early years of Christianity, when the faith was persecuted, believers used the Ichthus as a secret symbol to identify themselves to each other. It served as a clandestine way of communicating one’s Christian identity without openly declaring it.
- The fish symbol also has ties to biblical narratives. In the Gospels, there are instances where Jesus miraculously multiplies loaves and fish to feed large crowds, and he calls his disciples “fishers of men.” The Ichthus, therefore, became a symbol of abundance, nourishment, and discipleship.
- In the CCO logo, the ichthus is facing heavenward to symbolize our reliance upon God
3. Heart:
- The heart is most associated with love, passion, and affection. In 1 John, we are advised “God is Love. At CCO, we strive to represent God well.
- The heart is also a symbol of compassion, kindness, and empathy, representing care for others and a willingness to help-all necessary components of the work we do.
- The heart represents life, vitality, and physical well-being, as it is essential for pumping blood and sustaining life, hopes we share for those we serve.
Together, the Ichthus, the cross and the heart are emblematic of the core beliefs of Christianity-faith, hope, love, and the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. Believers may use these symbols as expressions of their faith and as a means to represent the rich spiritual heritage of Christianity.
