Ah February! A month of some of our coldest weather, but also the month of love as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Hearts, flowers, maybe even yummy chocolates, serve as symbols of affection and love. We celebrate with each other with special cards, trinkets, and sometimes sharing a special meal.
As a Christian, I sometimes find it odd that the symbol of the greatest love of all is often left out. The cross. Can you think of a greater expression of love than Jesus allowing himself to be crucified for our sake? And yet, the cross is rarely used as a symbol of love during the festive times of Valentine’s Day.
Is it because we realize that we could not love as much as Jesus did? Is it because we feel inadequate in comparison? Or do we fail to recognize the cross as a symbol of great love? Afterall, it has probably never been explained to us as such.
We all have in our lives someone that we would willingly lay down our life for. Some of us may have more than one. Some of us would do so for our nation. But for the whole world? For people we do not even know? That’s what Jesus did! He died for all! Surely that is love!
It is my prayer that we all come to recognize the cross as a symbol of true love. A love so great that it includes everyone and everything. And we, as Christians, following the command of our Lord Jesus, are to love one another as He loves us. So, let’s pick up our crosses and love all those around us. Let us too become a symbol of true love, Christian love!
May the Lord bless you and keep you under His divine protection now and always,
Pastor Gerry