Isaiah's Cross

Zaybay! Thank you so much for the Cross necklace you gave me for Christmas. I want to tell you what your gift means to me in my new home.

(For my friends who don't know, my 7-year-old brother, Isaiah, found me the most beautiful silver cross at his school's Christmas "bizarre", and he wanted me to have it for Christmas. I wear it almost daily now that I have learned of its significance in this region.)

In Asia, the Cross of Christ is a very significant symbol to distinguish Christians from those practicing other religions; much different from the "stylistic" use of the cross shape in the West. The Buddhist and Hindu have their symbols, but when someone here wears a Cross, he or she is making a clear statement that Jesus is their God. Dave and Dawn have a wooden cross hanging on their front door, so that there is no question who is Lord of their house. The neighbors to the right of Dave and Dawn have an altar to Buddha outside their door. So, when I wear Isaiah's cross I ask the Lord to mark me with His grace, the grace of the Cross. Often Christians will begin conversations with other believers upon noticing their crosses. Maybe this will happen? Maybe an unbeliever will see Jesus' love in me and see the Cross? We who live because of the Cross now bear this Cross of Hope, which came through our Lord's suffering our penalty. He is great, and greatly to be praised! Brothers and sisters, let's share the light of the Cross, for our burden is now light!