It was an exciting day to see the cross being lifted back up on our church property. Our old cross had fallen down (there's a sermon in that statement). But several men at the church got together and hoisted up a taller more durable cross (what a fine looking group of cross-raisers!).

It took several men to carry the cross. We couldn't help but think of Jesus carrying His cross up to Golgotha. In a small way we felt like Simon from Cyrene who helped Jesus carry His cross.

I'm glad we have a cross lifted up on our property, for all who drive by to see. To me, it's signficant.

The cross is a divinely given diagram of God's love for us. "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). The cross is a grapic symbol of God's deep and abiding love for mankind. So, when people see the cross on our property, perhaps they will think "God loves me".

Jesus also makes a powerful statment in John 12:32, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself." This statement refers to His crucifixion and the fact that those who will look to Jesus Christ in faith will live spiritually and eternally. So, when we lifted the cross I thought of that Scripture.

Each of us, can lift up Christ on a daily basis in our own personal lives. As we treasure Christ, as we embrace Christ and as we prefer Christ, we lift Him up for other to see. This is more significant than lifting up a cross on our property. As each of us elevate Christ in our own hearts, others are drawn to the beauty of Him and this glorifies Him.

May each of us raise up Christ in our own lives in 2008 and let's watch what God will do to draw others to Himself.

Happy New Year,

Pastor Tim