The meaning of the cross - by 410 alum (and Sydney's big sister) Meryl Walker

When I was a freshman in high school, I wore a cross necklace religiously (pun intended). I wore it in every photo, for every event, and even slept in it. For me, it was a statement- I am a Christian, and I am not ashamed; yet I never paused to reflect on the meaning behind the symbol.
 The cross holds heavy meanings, and is one of the most easily identifiable symbols in modern day. Crosses are everywhere- in Instagram bios, art, jewelry, tattoos, you name it. And while the literal meaning of the cross is evident, each person has their own takeaway and opinion that makes the cross around their neck or on their wrist special to them. Personally, the cross is an undeniable proof of love.

 In some Christian sects, crosses are scarcely seen in worship areas, and denomination members are highly discouraged from wearing crosses or having them in their homes. The rationale is that Christ’s life and mission was a model for us, and that the most important part of Jesus’ life was the day that he rose again. The faulty part of this theology is that it puts Christ’s death as almost insignificant, when in actuality, it is the most significant love story that this world has ever witnessed. Jesus never had to go through with his death sentence if he had just proved He was who He said he was to the Sanhedrin, but he accepted his lot and carried the wood that would end his life on his back. And when he made it to the mountaintop where he would die, he let his hands and feet be nailed down. The thing about death on a cross was that it wasn’t reserved for the likes of a king, and definitely not the king of kings; it was for lowly criminals and murderers. Yet this was the way he died. Not glamorous. Not even slightly comfortable. And definitely in a way in which most subjected to it could have compassion for their executioners. It wasn’t humility or a political agenda that drove him to this, but rather, love.  Jesus could’ve snapped his fingers and given the world grace, but instead gave it through the most inhumane sacrifice because he wanted to. Because his love for his people was more than the fear of pain and death.

 If you asked me where that cross necklace is now, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. I wore it in a time where my identity as a Christian was more important than my understanding of Christ. But this knowing of love that lived through death, this immeasurable gift- it goes beyond a fashion statement and symbol- it’s a love best shared with all.

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