23 Crosses: The Plain One

This year I’m writing a devotional series based on the 23 Crosses that hang on our family’s cross wall at our home. Each unique cross serves to uniquely remind us of the love of God for us in Christ. I pray that these devotions will remind you of the same. Each devotion will also be posted on our blog at TrinityZanesville.org.

“For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” - Isaiah 53:2

I think it’s safe to say this cross that hangs on our cross wall is unassuming. You could even call it rather plain. There isn’t any ornamentation or decoration on it. There isn’t any shiny metals or bold colors either. Rather it is a simple carved wooden cross about the size that would fit comfortably in one’s hand. In the midst of our wall full of crosses it’s easy for this one to be overlooked.

I wonder what the Magi expected to find as they followed the great star in the sky about two years after Jesus was born. Matthew chapter 2 tells us that they were in search of the One who was born King of the Jews. They brought gifts in tow that were fit for a king as they came to worship this new royal. But I bet they never expected to find what they did. A small boy. A carpenter’s son. Born not in a palace or near a throne, but in a manger and around livestock instead. His appearance wasn’t that of a king, if the Magi weren’t careful, they might have left having overlooked who they had met. And yet, the toddler they visited was more worthy of being worshipped and praised than any king who ever lived before or since.

I think that’s probably why I appreciate this plain cross that hangs on our wall so much. For though it may be easy to overlook, though it may be easy to get lost in a sea of other more ornate ones, this cross reminds me of how Jesus our Savior came to earth. Not in pomp and pageantry and pride, but in a stable, amongst cattle, and with great humility and love for you and me. And nowhere is that love and humility more clear for us, then at the cross. Where Jesus suffered and died not for sins of His own, but for ours- so that in Him we would be forgiven and free for all time.

This Christmas season as we remember anew how our Savior came to earth for us, let us not get caught up in the flashiness of the season- but in the reason for it. Let us appreciate the lights, give thanks for the gifts, and cherish time together with those we love whether in-person or remotely. But through it all let us rejoice anew this Christmas not only at those bright things that attempt to grab our attention, but rather at the One who humbly came in the plainness of a manger to claim us as His own so that we would always be His.