A few Sundays ago our closing hymn was “Soon and Very Soon.” It’s a wonderful, energetic song, and everyone left the sanctuary in a positive, spirited mood. It also brought back memories of when I was teaching. One of the campus musical groups was called Chi Rho, and it was a Christian a cappella chorus consisting of twelve men. Their voices blended to produce great harmony, and their annual spring concert was a big event. Performing at regional churches kept them very busy, and they even performed once at the White House. They published several CDs, and our favorite contained “Soon and Very Soon.” We played it so often that if it had been a record, it would have worn out.

The name Chi Rho comes from an ancient fourth century Christian symbol, which I’ve pictured below. The symbol is made up of the Greek letters Chi and Rho, which are the first two letters of our Lord’s name when written in Greek, the original New Testament language. The symbol goes back to the Emperor Constantine (272-327 AD), although it may have been used earlier. Constantine was the first Christian Emperor, and his conversion to Christianity was partially motivated by a dream he had in 312 AD. Reports say that Constantine saw, among other things, a cross and the Chi Rho symbol in his dream. Christians have used it as a symbol of their faith ever since. It has been found at many Christian archeological sites.

                                               
Chi Rho Symbol                                               Fourth Century Chi Rho

The value of the Chi Rho symbol is not in itself, but rather in the memories it stimulates. When I see it I remember the group Chi Rho, their concerts and CDs, the wonderful hymn “Soon and Very Soon,” our savior Jesus Christ, and the unconditional love that God has for YOU and me.

Jim