CROSS DRAWINGS
The Lotus is a beautiful flower that sinks its roots and stem deep into the bottom mud of a pond, while keeping its beautiful flower floating above. This gives it symbolism of purity and reflects the Christian who is to rise above the muck and sin of the world.
Since the seedling actually grows from and through the muck, sending up a long stem through the water until it reaches through to the sunlight in a splendor of beauty, the flower is associated with redemption, rebirth, new life, and resurrection symbolism. The lotus growth habit is a visual metaphor for the spiritual growth of the Christian. As we continue to rise up through the messy, murky things of our earthly lives, reaching for the Light of the World, we draw closer in communion with God.
More resurrection symbolism comes from stories of lotus seedlings sprouting from once dry ponds following a renewed water source.