Like a Rooster: Herald of the Holy Light

 

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

—Colossians 4:3-4 (emphasis mine)

In June I researched my birth surname, St. Clair, and came across historical information about the Sinclair/St. Clair clan, thought to have its origins in Normandy, France (clansinclairusa.org). I discovered a rooster on the family crest, which gave me pause. Why a rooster? A boisterous barnyard critter, not typically a bird of high esteem. Why not the majestic eagle or even a wise ole owl?

I delved further and learned that the rooster is a symbol of courage. According to clan records, in 1066 Richard de St. Clair was awarded “the rooster” for courage in the Battle of Hastings between the Norman-French and the English (sinclair.quarterman.org).

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Residing on a farm most of my life, I am quite familiar with the ways of the rooster, rising before dawn, crowing incessantly to wake up the sleepyheads. That must take courage, to do what you were made to do, despite your size and any unwelcome feedback you may receive, for not everyone is an early-riser like me. Some folks will immediately dismiss the crack-of-dawn wake-up call, roll over and go back to sleep. But that doesn’t deter the rooster. He continues to chant well into the morning until even I at times want to launch a pillow at him.

My research revealed that the French word for rooster is chanticleer, which means to chant (sing, crow) clearly. Note that “chanticleer” is a close approximation to the surname Saint Clair (the word ‘clair’ in French means clear). According to clan records, the surname in French is “de Sancto Claro” and in Latin, “Sanctus Clarus,” meaning Holy Light. Some in the clan have concluded that the rooster is the herald of the light of day or the “holy light” (sinclair.quarterman.org, clansinclairusa.org). I am intrigued by the connection.

Encircling the rooster on the crest are the words of the motto*: Commit thy work to God. While at first disappointed over the discovery of the cock on the crest, I am now honored by the revelation. I want to be like the chanticleer. As Christians, we all should. For God calls us to proclaim the mystery of Christ, to give a clear gospel message whenever we have an open door. That is our true work. I am now inspired to renew my commitment to the work—to chant clearly to wake up sleepers to the Light of Christ (Ephesians 5:14 NLV).

Years ago, I was fascinated with church steeples, awed by ancient spires that pierced through mountain ridges and city skylines, directing eyes heavenward. These cross-topped towers reminded me of where my help comes from, where I should place my focus. I took up photographing them and dubbed my hobby steeplechase. This week as I continued my ancestry research, I learned that churches in Normandy are topped with roosters. Interpretations of the meaning of the roosters vary. According to one source, this practice originated with Pope Leon IV, who ordered the placement of roosters on steeples as a symbol of Christ’s prediction that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed. Another says the rooster is a “symbol of the rising sun because this is the bird that announces the dawn. So, ‘like Christ, it announces the arrival of the day after the night, the arrival of good after bad’” (deepheartoffrance.com).

Now more than ever, people are chasing after hope. They need good after the bad ravages of 2020. They need Jesus. Let us not deny Him, but be like the rooster—courageous, consistent, persistent, and insistent. Let us speak up and wake up the sleeping. Shout out the good news from every steepletop, rooftop, and laptop. Now is the time to point others to Christ.

Dear Jesus, thank You for revealing the mysteries of my ancestry. May these revelations spur me to commit to my calling in these current times. Through it all, may I keep my focus on You, for clearly You will direct me and strengthen me to herald Your Light in the darkness. Amen.

___________________________

*A crest is a small part of a coat of arms, although many people use these terms interchangeably. Many companies are in the business of selling the family coat of arms on mugs, t-shirts, and plaques. While fun to display, these representations may be incorrect.

According to Kimberly Powell of the Thought Co.:

Except for a few individual exceptions from some parts of Eastern Europe, there is no such thing as a "family" coat of arms for a particular surname - despite the claims and implications of some companies to the contrary. Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families or surnames. A form of property, coats of arms may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. Such grants were (and still are) made by the proper heraldic authority for the country in question.

Further research at Ancestral Findings concurs with Powell and gives a breakdown on the parts of a coat of arms, including the motto, a statement that represents the group/family. According to the author of this article,

Nothing stops you from designing your own coat of arms and/or family crest. Just know that it is not a hereditary one and has no official or ancestral meaning. You can make one for yourself or your family and use it as a logo. Many companies online will help you design your own.

My take on this matter? Even if the “family” coat of arms, crest and motto included, is incorrect but inspires you to do what’s good, then that’s what counts.