Glory Cross
Glory - yet another word that has crept into everyday use and in doing so, has lost some of its glory
Glory Cross
also known as the Natal, Nativity, Bethlehem Star or Rayed Cross
Glory Cross
The Glory Cross is a cross adorned with some sort of shining light. The cross can be any form but usually the simple Latin Cross pattern is chosen so one's attention is not detracted from the light.
In another context, this form is known as the Natal Cross. This is not the Natal of the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa, nor the port city in northeast Brazil. It is from the Latin natalis pertaining to birth. The Natal or Nativity Cross reminds us of the Bethlehem Star, symbolizing the birth of Jesus, and the cross, symbolizing his crucifixion. In this one symbol, we have the physical birth and death of Jesus. It's a cross we use to 'Christianize' a pagan Christmas tree.
A shining Glory Cross helps Christians to focus on the glory and true meaning of the cross; the powerful love shown by Christ's crucifixion, and the light, like the sparkles of the Jewelled Cross, remind us of His resurrection.
Cynics might say the Glory Cross is evidence that Christians are really Sun worshippers; an idea discussed on the Sun Cross page. Here, we'll debunk that by looking at the meaning of the word glory.
What is 'Glory'?
St. Augustine defined glory as "brilliant notoriety with praise" (Clara notitia cum laude). Glory is one of those words that has several meanings, but usually it is used to describe:
- Heaven2
- the Divine attributes and perfection of God, the brilliant manifestation of God's presence and majesty
- the commendable and highly praiseworthy qualities of man, such as wisdom and righteousness
It is also used in secular situations and often devalued: "That was a glorious dinner", "1966: Football's glory for England", and the name 'Old Glory' is given to a national flag, vintage steam locomotives and rock bands.
For the spiritual definitions of glory, it's not surprising we can see hundreds of Biblical references1. It is used to describe a physically visible phenomenon (for example in Luke 2:9) revealing the majesty and character of God. Glory is praise to God and enables man to unite with God, either on Earth or in Heaven.
And this raises an interesting question: If glory is the brilliant manifestation of God's presence and majesty, if glory is so special that we use the word to describe an experience that man can have with God, then is it unacceptably vain for man to try to achieve glory in his own character or other attributes?
No, not if the person's intention is honourable. "... let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."3. This is neither vanity nor vainglory.
So when you see the Glory Cross, consider the word glory and what it means to you. That is the intention of the Glory Cross.
There are other crosses with flames; see Flaming Cross, Sun Cross, Rising Sun Cross and the Star Cross.
| 1 : | A few of the important Biblical references to Glory
Perfection: Isaiah 40:5, John 1:14, 2:11, Acts 7:2, Romans 1:23, 9:23, Ephesians 1:12, Hebrews 1:3 Heaven: Romans 2:7-10, Romans 5:2, Romans 8:18, 21 1 Corinthians 15:43 Philippians 3:3, 21 Hebrews 2:10, 1 Peter 5:1, 10 Brilliance: Genesis 45:13, Exodus 24:16, Isaiah 4:5, 59:19, 60:1, Luke 2:9, 32 Acts 22:11, 2 Corinthians 3:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Treasure: Genesis 31:1, Psalm 49:12, Matthew 4:8, Revelation 21:24-26 Honour and dignity: Genesis 49:6, 1 Kings 3:13, Psalm 7:5, 19:1, 29:1, John 5:44 7:43 12:43 17:1, 4, 5, 10, 22, 24 Acts 2:46, Hebrews 2:7, 1 Peter 1:24 |
| 2 : | Heaven: The Salvation Army has a cute euphemism for a member who dies - they are 'Promoted to Glory'. (Jokes: 'What is Heaven, and where is it?' #1 and #2) |
| 3 : | Personal desire for glory Matthew 5:16> |
