Easter: Reflecting on why The Cross is The Anchor of Hope

A few days ago, I returned from a long anniversary road trip through Italy. During my trip, I saw beautiful sites and took so many pictures.  One of my favorite pictures was the picture of the cross above, taken at the place I liked the least in all of Italy, the Roman Colosseum. If you have ever been to the Colosseum, you know that it is extremely crowded. You are herded through the site with waves of people, barely getting to see this massive iconic structure that has been left in ruins. My husband and I, who have been blessed to see many incredible historic sites, felt rushed and underwhelmed by the iconic Roman Colosseum. However, when I squeezed past the crowd and came into entrance of the Arena, my eyes were directed to a large cross. As the crowd pushed past me, I held my phone over my head to grab a quick picture and was honestly amazed at how it turned out. To me that picture summarizes the beauty of Easter, and why the cross is the perfect Anchor of Hope for our lives.

Understanding the Cross and Easter as an Anchor

I love this picture because amid the crazy crowds, the busyness is blocked out, leaving only the peace of the cross and the sun. The lighting makes God the focus, as He should be. The sun shines brightly on the “tree” that was meant for death and the destruction of Jesus, giving it new meaning and light. Even the “iconic” structure of the Colosseum is nothing compared to the simple wood cross in this picture; it just fades into the background. This picture is a reminder of how the Colosseum, a massive, “strong” place full of sin and darkness, has been ultimately left in ruins. Yet, that simple wooden cross, stands out above the crowd, above the ruins, anchored as a symbol of hope for thousands of years. As I reflected on this, I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 1:18-30 (ESV)

“[18] For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (Corinthians 1:18 ESV)

“[28] God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, [29] so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. [30] And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,” (1 Corinthians 1:28-30 ESV)

A Reminder this Easter

Remember this Easter, that the symbol of the cross, a symbol despised in the “world,” is our symbol of righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The cross is our Anchor of Hope because it represents the sacrifice Christ made so we can experience true hope and joy with God.

As you look at my picture of the cross, I hope you see the beauty in it like I do. I hope you see the love of Christ, His incredible sacrifice. I hope you feel His pain as he laid nailed to the cross for our sins. I hope you hear His cries to His Father, asking for our forgiveness. As you look at the cross, I hope tears fall down your cheek with gratitude and love. I hope when you look at the cross, you feel loved and accepted, because someone gave His life for yours. I hope when you look at the cross you are reminded that with the darkness of Good Friday, came the beautiful resurrection on Easter Sunday. I hope that when you look at the cross this Easter, you recognize why this symbol is such an important Anchor to me and many others around the world.

If you are struggling, feeling depressed, and need an Anchor Hope, I pray you will turn to Jesus and the cross. If you need help with your faith and spirituality, please turn to Anchored Hope Counseling in Kannapolis, NC. Anchored Hope Counseling has several therapist grounded in their faith that can provide Christian Counseling at your request. We also can incorporate Christian Counseling into  a wide range of therapy services from couples counseling to personal one-on-one sessions. View a list of our offerings online, or schedule a consultation today. If you like this blog, please remember to subscribe to our blog for more news and insights.