Cross purposes?
How can something that was an instrument of torture and public rebuke also be a symbol of love and hope? The Romans used it to carry out punishment and
disgrace the worst offenders. It is an internationally recognisable symbol of aid at times of distress, used by St John Ambulance and others. For Christians, it is a
symbol of love and forgiveness and Easter. It is of course, the cross of Christ.
This year we are inviting everyone to ‘make a cross’ for Easter. As we make a cross, we are reminded of what Christ did for us willingly on the cross. His journey to the cross opened the way to reconciliation and peace with God. We know there are times we fall short – those things we might have done or said differently given a second chance. In the cross, God is giving each of us a second chance, offering us a new beginning. So as we make a cross, we remember we are also on a journey, a pilgrimage, towards a greater understanding and acceptance of all God has done for us in Jesus Christ, a story which unfolds as we travel through Lent towards Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Christ also talked about each of us being asked to ‘carry our own cross’ – and we
know life can seem at times to give more than our fair share of difficulties. Through it all, Easter reminds us God walks with us, aiding us in our distress. As we make a cross, the material we use can speak a little about the person who made it; perhaps a hobby we enjoy e.g. knitters knit a cross; a cross made out of Lego; recycled material crosses; crosses of wood or clay, metal crosses; ones made of lollipop sticks; cakes with crosses, flower crosses and so on. I invite you to make your own cross and bring it to church in readiness for Easter Sunday. There will be a chance to place them as part of an overall display that itself will become a larger symbol of our community.
Kids will also be able to exchange their cross for an Easter egg on Easter Sunday
morning! Details of our Easter services will be in next month’s magazine.
May you know God’s hope and peace this Lent and Easter, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev’d Andrew.