It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun had stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Luke 23:44-45

I’ve had the pleasure of staying at a popular Christian conference center in North Carolina. This beautiful center, built on the Blue Ridge mountainside, contains a large cross, visible from most of the campus.

A dear friend of mine loves to room at the building closest to the cross, where she has a clear view of the impressive symbol of death and life. “I feel like I am sitting at the foot of the cross when I stay here.”

The cross symbolizes peace – a peace made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice. It symbolizes hope – a hope of eternal life in Heaven, a place with no tears. It gives comfort to the grieving. It offers forgiveness to all who are willing to receive. It clears the path to eternal life in Heaven.

No wonder so many people contemplate God’s sacrificial love when they see a cross.

However, the cross was also a scene of death, agony, contempt, and derision. Soldiers mocked Jesus. The chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law mocked Him openly, now that He was dying. Those passing by hurled insults at Him. Even one of the robbers crucified at His side ridiculed Him.

The Son of God bled to save them from their sins even as they scorned His sacrifice.

Jesus took on our sin and God turned His back on His Son for the first and only time. The sun stopped shining for three hours as Jesus hung suspended between heaven and earth. Something momentous was happening.

God took a cruel method of execution, turning it into peace, hope, comfort, and forgiveness for all of us.

The power of the cross is love – a Son’s obedient love for His Father and God’s sacrificial love for all His children.

He wants us to spend eternity with Him so badly that He paid the price of our admittance.

At the foot of the cross. Sounds like a good place to start our day.

Sandra M. Hart enjoys writing historical fiction set in the Midwest. She is inspired by the people around her. Those labeled as “everyday people” are the ones who inspire her most. She hopes to have a nonfiction book published about a couple of these ordinary heroes who fill our lives with hope. Read Sandra’s devotions