The fish symbol is seen in the Greek word for fish (ichthus, spelled: Iota Chi Theta Upsilon Sigma). That is an acrostic which has many translations in English. The most popular appears to be "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior"
My Christian testimony has many facets. One of the pinnacle moments was on an early Houston morning before the sun had risen. I was working as an Interior Designer at a design firm run by Christians. It was an incredible experience but I believe Satan found it threatening...so he attacked... The stress in my life was so great that my body was showing signs of a brain tumor. (I had an appt. to get into to The Neurology Center of Houston.)
I awoke without an alarm at 5:30 in the morning (if you know me....this is highly unlikely.... I usually hit the snooze button at least 3 times before awaking! ) I felt wide awake and didn't know what to do with my extra time. I decided to take a hot bath and listen to a new cd that my sister in law Joanna DeHoyos Estep had given me months before. The cd is called Hymns: Ancient and Modern by Passion. A particular song made an impression on me. So I put it on repeat and meditated on it. The song is this: Phos Hilaron (Hail Gladdening Light). After later research I find it to be the oldest recorded hymn in Christianity. Written in the 3rd century At that time in Jerusalem a lamp was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, a candle lit from the lamp was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.
As I listen to these words over and I knew the Spirit of God was at work.
The next morning I was awakend again at exactly 5:30AM. Again no alarm. I sat up straight in bed and thought Lord what do you have for me today? I decided to go outside as I often did to check the weather so I would know what to wear that day. The temperature was slightly cool. The sun had not yet risen. But the Son had risen. Shining on the back fence was the ichthus, the sign of the fish, the most early symbol of Christianity. I put out my hand and shouted "Wait right there" Grabbed my phone and snapped a photograph. In that brief moment I knew I was going to be okay. That God had amazing plans for my life and would not let me perish from a Brain Tumor. The MRI results showed a very healthy brain. I suppose one day I will know if my Savior healed my brain that day. But I will always know that to be the day that he healed my Heart. Thanks be to God.
Hail Gladdening Light
Of His pure glory poured
Who is the Immortal Father, Heavenly Blest
Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord
Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest
The lights of evening 'round us shine
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Divine
Worthiest art Though, at all times to be sung
With undefiled tongue
Son of our God, Giver of life alone
Therefore, in all the world Thy glories Lord
Thine own — with Ben Marler.
