Woven Continued: Reward of the Faithful: The Cross and Crown

Note: Celebration is recorded in two parts due to technical difficulty.

The crown and cross are a combination of two different images of faith. Traditionally, the bejeweled, golden crown has represented royalty. It also has come to mean authority and victory. A crown also symbolizes reward, for Christians this could be a reward in earth or in heaven. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus. It commonly denotes suffering and sacrifice. Thus, it would not seem that these two would go together, because one symbol is reward and the other symbol is for sacrifice. In terms of the secular, you have the crown as a symbol of the spoils of victory (the king takes the crown) and the cross the consequence of defeat as a means of execution by the state, but in Christianity they do come together, reminding us of our own victory and reward through the cross. (James 1:12). Together these symbols signify that the faithful in life who have suffered great hardships and persecution will receive great reward in the next life. The crown and the cross remind us of victory over death and the reward which comes after enduring trails and tribulation. Revelation 2:10 states, “Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life.”

As you face trials this week or are fearful and anxious, may you find hope in the promise of the crown of life. May we find comfort in knowing that one day we will receive a heavenly reward and we will feast at Christ’s heavenly banquet.                 

Journeying through Lent with you,

               Rev. Sherri