Timothy 3:15-17). Therefore we must pray that the same Spirit who inspired the prophetic writings will explain their meaning to us today. And we must come to prophecy with the willingness to practice what we learn (see John 7:17). Ellen White has emphasized the vital importance of prayer in the study of Scripture: 11 puts it, "And this shall be a sign"): "You will •nd an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger." Literally, the angel said, "And this will be to you the sign that what I just said is true about the Savior, who is Christ the Lord, born to you this day in the city of David." Signs serve as Xthat marks the spot. SYMBOLS, MEANING, DIVINE PRESENCE 253 On the one hand, religious symbols are drawn inexorably to participate in the life-world if they are to survive at all; for here alone is where reality, meaning, and transformative power are. Thus, if during their vigorous days they find they cannot so relate to culture and retain their א Aleph - Strong, power, leader, ox. So from those letters' meanings you could come up with all sorts of "prophetic" meaning - 5781 will be a year to look at our work and continue the voice of our leaders. Or it will be a window to throw fish to the edge and embrace power. This method uses the gematria for 5, 7, 8, 1. הזחא. The symbols we use say mUCh, and speak to our inner selves. They have deep meaning, but often we take them for granted. This issue of the Bulletin looks at some of these gestures and symbols, speaks of their meaning and power, and invites us to reflect on and explore their good use in our liturgical celebrations and in our daily living. We have simply followed the biblical system of interpretation. 2. Kingdoms Clearly Identified: The book of Daniel provides the historical application of the symbols. The angel interpreter told Daniel that four kingdoms were to rise on earth and the fifth one was going to be the kingdom of God. The angel identified by name three of the 2. Spiritual meaning of loosing hairs, hair is a symbol of glory. As a woman, it is the glory of her beauty. In the dream world, the moment you loose your hair, it shows there is a marital turbulent. From the Biblical point of view, it shows that your glory or security, power is being removed. The two key symbols in this fable are the tortoise, representing slowness, and the hare, representing speed and haste. The story of these two animals also represents something as a whole—the idea that innate ability isn't everything (especially when accompanied by arrogance), and dedication and follow-through can accomplish the same goals. Source of the symbol meanings: The meanings given are based first and foremost on their use in the Bible or Biblical Hebrew culture. Secondly, they are based on our personal experience and of others that we have known and trust. Thirdly, the inherent meaning of symbols or objects is often true. The Sun represents Jesus Christ, the Light bearer, the ruler of day [Genesis 1:16; Malachi 4:2; Psalm 84:11] The Sun also represents Father [Genesis 37:9-10] 20. The Moon. The Moon represents Satan, the ruler of the night or darkness [Genesis 1:16] The Moon could also represents Mother [Genesis 37:9-10] 21. A Rod. God also provides the meanings of different symbols. Most symbols and the meanings of these symbols are found in Scripture. It is understandable that if dreams and visions come from God, that the meanings of the symbo