The stand upon which the Bible rests in some churches is called a lectern, and it's often shaped like an eagle. The eagle lectern is a traditional symbol with rich meaning, particularly in Christian denominations that value historical symbolism.
Here's a breakdown of why an eagle is often used:
* Symbol of John the Evangelist: In Christian iconography, each of the four Gospel writers is associated with a symbol. John is represented by an eagle. This is because his Gospel is seen as soaring to the heights of divine truth, much like an eagle soars through the sky. The eagle lectern thus connects the reading of scripture with the wisdom and perspective of John.
* Symbol of Divine Inspiration and Revelation: The eagle is known for its powerful flight and keen eyesight. In some traditions, it's seen as a symbol of divine inspiration, the ability to see clearly into spiritual truths, and the power to deliver messages from above.
* Symbol of Christ: Some interpretations connect the eagle with Christ himself. Just as the eagle soars upward, Christ ascended to Heaven. The eagle is also seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and victory over darkness, qualities associated with Christ.
* Proclaiming the Word: The eagle lectern visually represents the important act of proclaiming the Word of God to the congregation. The eagle is seen as boldly presenting the scriptures to the people.
Not all churches use an eagle lectern. Some use simpler stands or other symbolic representations. The use of an eagle lectern is more common in liturgical churches, such as Anglican, Catholic, and Lutheran traditions.