The power of signs and symbols

While we may not realize or recognize what is happening, we are constantly being directed by and influenced by, signs and symbols. Especially as of late, in our day of desktop icons and emoticons, symbolism is all around us.  But this is nothing new. Symbolism has been part of communication, especially in the field of religion, for as long as man has dabbled therein.
This thought has prompted me to articulate some of the symbolism within Christian Orthodoxy.  The thing to realize with symbolism and signs, especially within Orthodoxy, is that they are not merely just interesting modes of communication.  They actually contain power. Here are a few:
The cross:  we see this symbol probably daily, but it should remind us of what Jesus accomplished via the cross.  A fulfillment of old covenant law, the destruction of the power of death, the salvation of mankind. The ramifications of these is astounding.  This sign alone should draw us to God in awe and gratitude.
The sign of the cross:  This action needs to be understood historically.  Since the very beginning of the Christian church, the sign of the cross, as a self applied sign upon ourselves, has been taken very seriously.  By signing ourselves this way, we are saying a multitude of things.  We are reminding ourselves of Jesus' work, we are identifying ourselves with the body of Christ, we are striving to crucify within ourselves our passions and fleshly desires, we are seeking a blessing of the power of God in the cross.  This sign actually contains spiritual power.  One other aspect of this is the manner in which the hand is held in crossing oneself.  The index finger, the middle finger and the thumb held together, representing the Trinity, while the ring finger and the pinky touch the palm, representing the two natures of Christ, in one person.
The cruciform: historically and traditionally, Christian churches have been built in this shape, again to embrace and identify ourselves with the sign of the cross.
Bread and wine: these signs, given to us by Jesus himself, while genuinely a reminder of who Jesus is and what he did, they are, more importantly, the body and blood of Jesus, within the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox church.  Not merely a reminder of Jesus' work but also not a specimen to be scholastically analyzed, these elements contain true spiritual power, that are a blessing for those who partake of them in a faithful manner.
Icons:  These apparent mere images of reposed saints are much more than that.  These are called "Windows to heaven", as they represent, not mere reminders of deceased loved ones, but specific images that communicate Christian truth.  These holy people are not gone, but are still very much a part of the church.  They are there for us, praying for us, now perfected, before the throne of God.  The colors, setting and shapes all communicate profound truths.
Much more could be said in this regard. I encourage you to look further into these and other signs and symbols of our faith.  The richness of which we are surrounded must not be lost or ignored.