When we designed our sanctuary cross that adorns the wall, front and center, in Covenant Hall, much thought and prayer went into the design and materials used to craft it. We would like to fully explain the reasons behind why our cross looks the way it does. Many members who have brought visitors to worship at Redeemer found themselves at a loss when asked for details of the elements contained in the cross. So that we all may better understand and have these details before us, below is an account of the thought and theology of the design.
At the heart of the Christian Faith is the Cross of Christ. The Cross existed in the heart of the Holy Trinity long before one stood on Mount Calvary on which our Savior bled and died for the salvation of the world and the redemption of his Church. He is the Lamb slain “from the foundation of the world” and was made man not only that he might reveal the Father through the Holy Spirit, but also so that by death he might slay death. To preach Christ Jesus truly is to proclaim his crucifixion, for in this great act of Love, this self-giving for his Beloved, he has secured us as his own forever, defeated the dark powers, and revealed the true nature of God—humility, love, justice, and mercy.
This is why churches are eager to openly display the cross and have done so since the most ancient times. Neither these, nor the ones worn by Christians, whether ministers or laymen, are charms or signs of personal holiness; they are, however, a witness to the saving love of God in Jesus Christ. That is also the purpose of the cross that stands front and center in the heart of our sanctuary.
Most of the material used to craft this staggering reminder of the Trinitarian work of redemption is made of wrought iron, all tested and transformed in the forge, a stunning symbol of the human struggle, our rebirth, and transformation that necessarily accompanies saving faith.
Moving from the center outward, we encounter first the Alpha and Omega, Greek letters that represent Christ as Beginning and End, just as he refers to himself in the Scriptures. Jesus Christ is Lord—of the Church, of us all, of creation, history, time, angels, and all that exists; His scepter rules over all. All things were made by him and for him and will return to him. We do not worship the cross, but Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose again to redeem his people and rule his kingdom.
The Alpha and Omega is set in the union of two symbols of the Holy Trinity. This reminds us that Christ is eternally God the Word, the Second Person of the Triune God. In the mystery of this unity and diversity, we see in the cross that each of the persons of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is active in the salvation of the world. We worship Jesus as Lord, but only together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever One God, eternal and Triune.
The Eternal Love of God and the Eternal Holy Trinity expound their majesty supremely from the cross. The simple, small wooden cross at the center reminds us of the weakness of the crucifixion, that God’s power is displayed in weakness, his authority in humble service, his grace and mercy in perfect justice. The events of Good Friday and the First Easter Sunday, together with the birth, life, and public ministry of Jesus Christ, are the core of the Christian proclamation and the source of our life. This is why this little cross, so simple, is surrounded by emblems of the Four Gospels—Matthew and Mark above, with Luke and John beneath. These four testimonies bear unified witness to Jesus and are therefore joined together in a seamless connection around the inner cross.
Through the proclamation of the Gospel, the message of Jesus is growing larger and larger in influence, his Kingdom’s reign increasing in scope and majesty, just as the prophet Isaiah foretold: “And of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end…” (Isaiah 9). This is why a larger cross dominates the scenery next. The light of Christ is shining into our world from the darkness of that terrible Friday in Jerusalem so long ago, and filling all things with the brightness of his rising. Every person and every sphere of human existence is to be brought under the sway of the Cross and our Savior. This larger cross is Byzantine, reminding us of the expansion of Christ’s rule in the ancient world, conquering even the Roman Empire that once persecuted it. It also tells us that we are part of a vast people too numerous to count called the Church, a community of people that extends across time and space, down through the centuries, from every nation, tribe, and people under heaven. We do not have the right to dishonor their labor and despise the inheritance they have passed down to us, an example of ardent faith and love. We are united with Christ and with all who are his, here and now, as well as those from ancient times. We must dwell in history as we walk united to the one who stands over history.
Without doubt that work is not finished. When Christ ascended he poured out his Spirit on the Church and sent us into the world to make disciples of all nations. There are places where his saving name and Gospel have not yet been proclaimed, and we cannot rest until the mission to take the word of the Cross to all has been completed. The outer rings of the cross are filled with arrows pointing outward, like the directions on a compass, reminding us of the places where the Gospel does not yet hold sway. There are yet empty spaces around the cross, places where its influence must yet reach.
The Gospel of the Cross flows from the heart of God to the ends of the earth, and in all things God will be glorified. This cross is not covered with jewels to be admired or made of gold to be treasured on its own. It is iron and wood, the elements present at Jesus’ crucifixion as he was hung on a Roman cross with its terrible iron spikes. This he did for love, love for his Father and love for us. When you see the cross today, recall and give thanks for the tender mercy of God that sent his Son to bear our sin, and rejoice in your forgiveness; ask God to renew in you today authentic love for him, born of the deep and abiding impact of his love for you. Seek his face that you may be filled with the Spirit and go from here to bear faithful witness to the Cross of Christ in word and deed until all the world has heard the Glad Tidings of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We are people saved and shaped by the Cross; we are ministers who proclaim the Cross; we are the Church bearing our cross to bear witness always to Christ’s, to whom alone, together with the Father and the Spirit, belongs glory forever.
From an article by one of our former pastors, Rev. D. P. Cassidy