This week my 91 year old mother-in-law said goodbye to her 98 year old husband. They had been married for 73 years, and she has never lived alone. My father-in-law's funeral was the day before yesterday, and even though it was technically Spring, the snow was falling, the wind was blowing and it was around 20 degrees. After the church service, we were to gather at the gravesite. In an effort to make sure she was dressed warmly, my husband looked in her closet and found a longer dark blue coat. He helped her into it, and off we went.
Afterwards, she told us that the coat belonged to her husband. And while she sat in the chair underneath the tent at the gravesite, she realized that, and felt like she had her husband's arms wrapped around her. She didn't feel alone.
It was only a coat. But it smelled like her husband, and its warmth comforted her. She felt close to him by wearing the coat.
This makes me think about the cross. To some people it is just wood. Criminals hung on it to be crucified 2000 years ago. But to Christians, the cross means much more. It stands for love. God's love for mankind.
For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him,
shall not perish but have everlasting life.
- John 3:16
God knew we would need a Savior, and demonstrated His own love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He was the perfect Lamb, to ultimately pay the price for our sins. By accepting His free gift of salvation, we become heirs to the Kingdom and inherit everlasting life. All through a cross.
To my mother-in-law, that coat meant that her husband was near...
To you, what does the cross mean?
As I stand before the cross
and I gaze upon its beauty
I see You... I see You
A symbol of Your love
the perfect sacrifice
I see You... I see You
You gave Your life up on that cross
redeemed me from my sins
No longer death would have its sting
new life in You begins
Forever I will worship You, my King
Forever I will glorify Your Name
As I stand before the cross
and I gaze upon its beauty
I see You... I see You
I can hear the hammer pounding
and the ground begin to shake
I see You... I see You
Your face is filled with anguish
drops of blood begin to fall
I see You... I see You
The chosen time is coming soon
in the twinkling of an eye
I'd hate to think how things would be
if You hadn't paid the price
Forever separated and in darkness we would be
Jesus, You paid the price for me
Oh, Jesus, You gave Your life for me.
- 'I See You' by Mary Latona
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