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22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles (lit. Greeks), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.
*I Corinthians 1.22-24 (NLT)
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The word "crucifix" is from the Latin, crux, cross, and figo, I fix; thus, "I fix [a, or the] cross." The crucifix is a figure of Christ on a cross. The oldest known Christian crosses showed the resurrected Jesus: alive, standing, head erect, garbed and with crown.
Later, around the tenth century, crucifixes showed Jesus on the cross. These were widely being used as objects of devotion.
Ironic is the change from Christ after the cross to Christ on the cross. Indeed, however, early in Christian history, art typically depicted the resurrected Christ, not the suffering Christ.
Recently, a person whom I was serving Holy Communion to seemed a little confused by this Protestant cleric wearing a crucifix. Protestants typically wear a cross without Christ. He asked me a question about official church policy. I explained I knew of no official regulations in our denomination on the matter.
I wear a crucifix for the cross, with the suffering Jesus Christ, is central in Christian faith; such is the centerpiece of the Gospel. Everything in the plot of the Jesus narrative leads us to the cross, and, then, all else leads us from the cross. The cross, with its suffering Christ, is the pivot on which swings the whole story of Christ, and in the cross is foreshadowed the resurrection of Jesus. The cross is not simply a point in time, but an intersecting point holding the promise of all before and all following. This point is pregnant with promise.
I do highly recommend every Christian have at least one cross in the home and one on him or her at all times. I would not make any big deal about whether it is a crucifix or an empty cross; unless you feel a need to follow a policy of your faith group, choose as you discern through prayer.
Yet, we need not turn the cross into an idol. We cherish the cross, for we cherish Christ; we love the cross, for we love Christ. We adore the cross, for we live Christ crucified and resurrected, and the cross speaks of unspeakable Love and a marvelous Lover of all:
14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
*Galatians 6.14 (ESV)
You may wish to practice a visualized meditation on the cross. Either choose the suffering Christ or an empty cross. With the latter you can image Christ above the cross, in a like way as to early crosses. If you choose to image the suffering Christ, make as certain as possible of your readiness to do so before you do. Some persons may not be emotionally prepared for such a graphic meditation. Before you do either of the above, offer a prayer of blessing upon your prayerful meditation.
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*I am indebted for the history and etymology of the crucifix to G. T. Kurian, Ed. The Testament Christian Dictionary. "Crucifix."
*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in continuing his ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers or the Cokesbury on-line store, cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist Pastor, lives in Southwest Florida. He is a vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a contemplative life and seeks to inspire others to enjoy a more intimate relationship with Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the Church through addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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