A Cross

“He is not here, for He is risen as He said.”  Luke 24:5

In the beginning of our ministry, Randy began to order and distribute pocket crosses for the members of our congregation and so many others with whom he came in contact.  We got in the habit of carrying one all the time and placing them in the hands of people who were in need of assurance or just an act of love.

The vertical beam of the cross symbolizes God reaching down to us through Jesus with his love, mercy and grace.  The horizontal beam symbolizes God’s people as we reach out to others with that same love, mercy and grace.  I have never known anyone who didn’t appreciate the symbolism, and there are many who still have those crosses today.

In olden times, the cross simply meant death, but Jesus triumphed over the grave and rose to eternal life.  This year as I stand by the graves of my loved ones who have died, I remember that they are not there, but they have risen to live on high with Jesus.  The grave is empty!  He has risen and reigns on high!

“O death where is thy sting?  O grave where is thy victory?”       Corinthians 15:55

“I carry a cross in my pocket, a simple reminder to me;  of the fact that I am a Christian no matter where I may be.  When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or a key; the cross is there to remind me of the price He paid for me.  It reminds me too, to be thankful for my blessings day by day; and to strive to serve Him better in all that I do and say.  So, I carry a cross in my pocket reminding no one but me, that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life if only I’ll let Him be.”