08/28/2026
The story of the Abounding in Grace logo: part 4
While all the symbols we have already discussed are powerful and packed with meaning, it wasn't until we settled on the image with the olive branches that it felt right. This design is called "Reconciled to the Father".
In Webster's 1828 Dictionary, reconciled means bought into friendship from a state of disagreement or enmity; made consistent; adjusted.
The olive branch is a symbol of hope and promise. It was in Noah's time when the dove came back with it after the flood (Genesis 8:10-11) and it was when used by Paul to describe how we (Gentiles) were grafted into the olive tree as a symbol of the family of God through the sacrifice of Jesus (Romans 11:13-25). It is used many times throughout the Bible in meaningful ways, but the one I want to focus on is in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Garden of Gethsemane is, as the BLB app says, at the foot of the Mount of Olives which is pretty interesting, but when you realize that Gethsemane means "oil press", things start falling into place. The place Jesus poured out His anguish to the Father to the point of sweat drops of blood and asked that this cup would pass from Him if it was God's will is the very place named after an oil press. For oil to be produced, the olive has to be crushed and pressed until the oil comes.
In the beginning, in the garden of Eden, man had a perfect life- anything they could have hoped for, but it wasn't enough. One seed of doubt, one decision rooted in discontent, one bite from a fruit forbidden, changed everything. Sin had been committed and shame brought fear because they knew what they had done was wrong. They chose to hide it with fig leaves, but it wasn't enough. Blo*d had to be shed. An innocent animal was slain. A proper and appropriate covering though it was temporary. Sacrifice would continue to be necessary. Then one night in Bethlehem, was born the perfect and ultimate Sacrifice. The spotless Lamb. He would be born of a virgin to fulfill all the prophecies proving that not only was He fully Man, but He is fully God. The son of David and the Son of God. He lived a perfect and faithful life knowing what He was sent here to do and He did it. He did it selflessly and as a true Servant. Jesus was put through the worst trial of His earthly life and suffered worse than words can express, but even in the midst of that, God had a purpose. He didn't spare His only begotten Son. That doesn't make Him cruel or hateful, that makes Him a God that makes a way when there seemed to be no way, and Jesus is the Way.
Jesus was crushed in His trial to produce oil. He calls us to be crushed for His sake by the cross of this life, to produce oil. Oil that represents God's grace, His love, and the reconciliation found at the foot of the cross. Through His sacrifice, Jesus allows us to be restored to the Father. His blo*d on my account- paid in full! 🙌🏻💕
The olive branch is a symbol to me that: reconciliation with the Father is available to all who seek it, no matter what I face in my life I know that my oil is not wasted, hope and peace are waiting for the surrendered life, and His grace will meet me in every day and in every interaction I seek His help in.
This is what we want to offer here at Abounding in Grace Co. We want to share the gospel with others in a world that needs the kind of hope found only in Jesus.
If you have questions about salvation, or some doubts, don't hesitate to ask! Life is but a v***r and time a thief. You are not promised tomorrow so make sure it's settled today.
To God be all the glory due unto His name 🙌🏻💕
