What is an Icon?
An Icon is a visual reminder of God whom
we worship. In itself, it is not an object to
be worshipped, but simply a visual step closer to the thought and worship of God Himself. The icon is also a reflection of the person of Jesus Christ, who is the great Icon (or ‘image’) of God (see Colossians 1:15).
Whilst being fully God, Christ became fully human. Whilst being intagible, He became tangible. In the same way, an icon is made of tangible items - wood and paint - whilst portraying our uncreated God.
Most importantly, icons remind us why we need not feel ashamed of our humanity. As reminders of Christ’s Incarnation, they are also a testimony that Christ so loved us and our humanity that He was willing to share
in it. He was so eager for us to rejoice in our creation that He Himself became part of it.
