Pathways Press.com

Written by Nina Pope from the Village Church

It was a huge surprise the day I received it.  I have always especially loved Valentine’s Day, and the giant red heart box was in itself a piece of art with elaborate red ribbon trimmed with white lace and a lavish red rose and ribbon in the center…not the sort of candy box you see these days.  The whole thing was about 35 inches tall and wide.  It was impressive at first look on the outside and held about 5 pounds of mouth-watering See’s candies within.  Although the candy is long gone, the box remains today and is a unique reminder and symbol of affection received from the love of my life, Hughes Pope.  It was unexpected and made me feel loved and will always be a cherished treasure, reminding me of many rich moments that preceded and followed its arrival. Of the many wonderful gifts I have received over the years, it is still a standout and always brings a smile to my heart and never fails to stir an avalanche of emotion because I know that out of love it was freely given and was beyond anything deserved. And so it is with the cross of Jesus Christ.  It was not the expected outcome to the end of Jesus’ earthly life.  Even now, it amazes and astonishes believers across the generations.  Unlike my giant heart box, the cross looked like defeat, not triumph and victory.  In subsequent understanding, humanity came to realize its impact for underserving recipients given out of God’s abundant love, bringing an unforeseen eternal impact which would indelibly imprint itself on the heart of all who would partake.  It was and is a symbol of love so deep that it is impossible to overestimate, a perfect love freely given and designed to be accepted and enjoyed by all delivered by a cross that in the beginning did not in any way resemble what it truly was — love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:16]