Symbols in Christian Art & Architecture: Chancel Furnishings

Chancel Furnishings Each of the furnishings in the church chancel is a reminder of the elements of Christian worship, referred to collectively as "Word and Sacrament."
Cross
	The cross is displayed in a central place in the church chancel. It is a reminder that Jesus Christ is the center of the Christian faith. In Roman Catholic churches, a figure of Jesus is displayed on the cross, reminding worshipers of His atoning sacrifice. In other churches the cross is shown empty as a reminder of Christ's Resurrection. The cross is also a reminder of our own sin and need of redemption, and for the believer in Jesus Christ, Who died that our sins might be forgiven, it provides the whole context for Christian worship.
Altar/Communion Table
	The altar also has a central place in the chancel. The altar is the place where the elements of communion are prepared. (Communion is also known as the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper.) In Protestant Reformed churches, the altar is replaced with the Lord's table. A table may be distinguished from an altar by its open legwork. An altar reminds believers of of Jesus' self-sacrifice as the Lamb of God. A table is a reminder of Jesus' invitation to participate in the fellowship of God. The offering plates are usually placed on the altar after the collection is taken as a symbol of the worshipers' sacrificial response to God's redeeming love shown in Christ Jesus.
Baptismal Font
	The baptismal font is a reminder of God's adoption of believers into His family. It is a sign of His covenant with His people. The font holds water which the minister sprinkles on the head of the one being baptized. The font often has an octagonal base because eight is the number of regeneration and new life. In churches of the Anabaptist tradition, a baptistry takes the place of a font. A baptistry is a large pool of water in which believers are immersed for baptism as a sign of dying and rising with Christ.
Lectern
	The lectern is the place where scripture is read and prayers are offered. It reminds worshipers of God's revelation of Himself in the Bible.
Pulpit
	The pulpit is the place where the scriptures are proclaimed and applied. Through preaching, worshipers are reminded to be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:22). The pulpit often has an octagonal base to remind worshipers of the regenerating power of the Word. The scriptures are understood to be the written Word of God. They point to Jesus, the Word Incarnate.
Candles
	Candles in the sanctuary represent Jesus the Light of the World. They are a reminder to worshipers that they, too, are called to be light in the world. When two candles are placed on the altar, they are a reminder of Jesus Who is both God and Man. Sometimes a red candle, or a candle with a red glass cover, is used in the sanctuary to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit. This candle is never extinguished. Six candles in a row represent the imperfection of our present worship and our hope in the perfect world to come.
Paraments
	Some of the chancel furnishings, such as the altar, lectern and pulpit, may be adorned with decorative drapings called paraments. The background color usually indicates the season of the church year, and one or more symbols displayed on it are a reminder of the general theme of the season.