"In the beginning the Word was with God and the Word was God."  (John 1:1)  The book represents the Word of God.  With it is a lamp, representing the "Light of the World," as John the Baptist had declared Jesus to be.  John also proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God, "Who takes away the sins of the world."  The victory over sin is represented by the Victory banner, held by the lamb.  The baptism of Jesus by John is represented by the water flowing from the scallop shell.