Holy Cross Day
September 14, 2012
The Lord be with you
One of the earliest annual celebrations of the Church, Holy
Cross Day traditionally commemorated the discovery of the original cross of
Jesus on September 14, 320,
in Jerusalem. The cross was found by
Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. In conjunction with the
dedication of a basilica at the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection,
the festival day was made official by order of Constantine
in 335 ad. A devout Christian, Helena
had helped locate and authenticate many sites related to the life, ministry,
death, and resurrection of Jesus throughout biblical lands. Holy Cross Day has
remained popular in both Eastern and
Western Christianity. Many Lutheran parishes have chosen to use “Holy Cross” as
the name of their congregation.
On this day we remember the pivotal roll of the cross in our
lives by recalling some of what the Bible teaches:
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.
(1 Corinthians 1:18)
But far be it from me to boast except
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to
me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)
For he himself is our peace, who has
made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of
hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that
he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,
and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby
killing the hostility. (Ephesians 2:14-16)
And being found in human form, he
humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a
cross. (Philippians 2:8)
For in him all the fullness of God
was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
(Colossians 1:19-20)
And you, who were dead in your
trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with
him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt
that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to
the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by
so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin
which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for
the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is
seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Prayer: Merciful
God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, was lifted high upon the cross that He might bear
the sins of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory
in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross
and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and forever. Amen.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
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