The cross is the central
symbol of Christianity. It directs our
thoughts, our eyes, our faith to Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Christ crucified is
the central message of the Gospel and that which we proclaim to the world (1
Cor. 1:23). It must always be remembered
that we do not worship the actual cross, nor the symbol itself, but what the
cross points and leads us to: Jesus Christ crucified for us.
As such, the cross or crucifix is the most important appointment (symbol or decoration) in the chancel. The history of the use of the cross/crucifix in worship is long and complicated. There are several different types, shapes, and sizes of crosses coming from different traditions, times, and places. The most recognizable in Western Christianity is the plain (Latin) cross †. In the early church, a plain cross was used frequently. The crucifix (a cross with the body of Jesus, called a corpus), began to appear more often in the early medieval period when there was an increased emphasis on the Passion of Christ. Whether an empty cross or crucifix, both of which have a long and common history in Lutheranism the cross stands as a symbol of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As such, the cross or crucifix is the most important appointment (symbol or decoration) in the chancel. The history of the use of the cross/crucifix in worship is long and complicated. There are several different types, shapes, and sizes of crosses coming from different traditions, times, and places. The most recognizable in Western Christianity is the plain (Latin) cross †. In the early church, a plain cross was used frequently. The crucifix (a cross with the body of Jesus, called a corpus), began to appear more often in the early medieval period when there was an increased emphasis on the Passion of Christ. Whether an empty cross or crucifix, both of which have a long and common history in Lutheranism the cross stands as a symbol of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Several crosses adorn most Lutheran churches today. First and foremost is the main cross hanging on
the chancel wall above the altar. This cross is front and center, serving as
the focal point of symbols in the Divine Service. It emphasizes the centrality of the Christ
crucified in our preaching, teaching, worship, and life. On Good Friday, this cross is commonly adorned with a
black cloth symbolizing the death of Christ, while on Easter it is commonly adorned with
a white cloth symbolizing the Resurrection.
Many times also, a crucifix stands upon the altar to direct our attention
to Jesus’ sacrifice for us and give us a visible reminder that it is Christ's body and blood in the sacraments next to it on the altar.
The next most common cross inside the church is the processional cross, mounted on
a staff and carried during various special Services. As the name implies, this cross is used in
processions. When not being used during
the Service, the processional cross often rests in a stand in the chancel.
Lastly, crosses adorn the
exterior of most church buildings, giving witness to the reason why we are
gathered. In typical historical church architecture, a cross stands at the highest
point of our building on top our steeple, calling people from far away to join
us under the cross of Christ as He serves us through His Word and Sacraments.
Here
are just a few of different types of crosses.
For a greater understanding of the meaning of each, please see appendix
of Luther’s Small Catechism, or the
book Symbols and Their Meaning by
Rudolph F. Norden:
2. St. Andrews or Saltire
3. Tau or St. Anthony
4. Greek
5. Celtic
6. Chi Rho
7. Ankh or Ansated
8. Swastika
9. Patriarchal
10. Patee
11. Potent
12. Moline
13. Russian
14. Maltese
15. Crosslet
16. Fleury
17. Botonnee
18. Calvary or Graded
19. Jerusalem
20.
Ring
No comments:
Post a Comment