When I became a Christian back in 1989 I bought myself a cross to wear around my neck. I wanted to show others I was now a person of faith.
The cross I bought was a gold cross with Jesus on it. It was a crucifix. Before long friends at church started saying, “Why are you wearing a cross with Jesus on it? He is not on there any more.”
I thought that is true, He is risen, so I went and bought myself the same cross without Jesus on it. Over time I realised I liked my original crucifix more, so I went back to that one.
I found that some people like the empty cross as it emphasises the Resurrection more. Others prefer the crucifix style as it reminds them that Jesus died on the cross for their sin.
Just like some people have a favourite Bible verse or Bible book or Bible translation, we might have a different style of cross or crucifix we wear.
In the above photo you can see I have three crosses I wear.
- The left one is a wooden one I wear around the house or garden when I am working. It reminds me of the humble service that Monks do.
- The middle might be for when I go out. It is stainless steal and I like that you can see Jesus’ face and the crown of thorns. I think about His sacrifice for me.
- The last one is called a Millennial cross. It shows the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It reminds me that Father sent the Son, Jesus died for me, and the Holy Spirit drew me to Jesus for my salvation.
You might have noticed that two of the crosses have knots in the rope. When I am doing things I often stop to pray. On the first knot I pray the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father), and on the seven smaller ones I pray the Jesus prayer – Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
To me the cross you wear is about your personal preference. It is not about Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox, just wear the one that speaks to you the most. And feel free to chop and change like I do.
Just before I end this post, I had another thought. People tend to ask me more about my faith when I am wearing the Crucifix or the Millennial cross. It seems to stand out more than an empty cross and draws them in to a conversation about faith and life.