11/17/2021 Principal's Note
How many of you own a piece of jewelry depicting a cross? Many Christians choose to wear such a symbol as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or even permanent tattoos on their bodies. Have you ever thought about why?
Crucifixion was a brutal method of public execution used in ancient times. Most notably used by the Roman empire, it was also prevalent in eastern empires like the Persians and Seleucids, and also in Africa with the Carthaginians. It was designed to maximize both pain and humiliation. Criminals (usually political) were severely beaten, forced to carry their own cross, fastened to the beams, and hoisted into the air publicly. Notices of their crimes were often affixed above their heads, and, to increase their psychological pain, the condemned many times had their clothes removed. There they would hang, in a very public place, with crowds gathered around, until they either died of asphyxiation or organ failure. If that took too long, their legs were broken with a club to hasten their end. If you want to see an extremely graphic depiction of what the process probably looked like, watch "The Passion of the Christ," though I warn you, make sure young children are not around, and grab a Kleenex box.
Knowing all this, why on earth do we wear the cross? Would we similarly walk around with a necklace featuring a guillotine, or electric chair-shaped earrings? How about a bracelet shaped like a hangman's noose? The answer is powerful. The cross, once a symbol of brutality and fear, has become something else because of Jesus. His crucifixion, though infinitely painful and humiliating due to the weight of the world's sins piled upon him, brought us eternal life. When we see that symbol, we are reminded of God's love for us and the salvation he has given to us freely. C.F.W. Walther, a Lutheran theologian who lived during the mid-19th century, wrote this regarding the symbol of the cross in the light of Jesus' sacrifice:
"On account of this, the cross is both holy and blessed! Once nothing but a dry piece of wood, it was changed, like Aaron's staff, into a green branch full of heavenly blossoms and fruit. Once an instrument of torment for the punishment of sinners, it now shines in heavenly splendor for all sinners as a sign of grace. Once the wood of the curse, it has now become, after the Promised Blessing for all people offered Himself up on it, a tree of blessing, an altar of sacrifice for the atonement, and a sweet-smelling aroma to God. Today, the cross is still a terror -- but only to hell."
As we enter the hustle and bustle of the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, don't forget why that baby was born in Bethlehem. Enjoy the time with family, the upbeat music, and the wonderful food, but keep your eyes fixed on the most important blessings Jesus brought with him to earth: his perfect life, his suffering and death, and his glorious resurrection.
Have a blessed week!
In Christ,
Principal Bill Fuerstenau