With some frequency, people comment or ask about the necklace I wear. It is actually a combination of two items, the Golgotha Cross and my wedding ring. There were three crosses present on the day of Jesus' crucifixion. One of the thieves chose to mock Jesus, while the other sought forgiveness and redemption --- a free choice we all have. The manufacturer's
description of the Golgotha Cross is, "A Symbol of Forgiveness.
Christ was led to his crucifixion in a place in Calvary called Golgotha.
He was crucified with two thieves, one on the right and one on the
left. Before the crucifixion, Christ spoke of his enemies and said,'Forgive
them, for they know not what they do.' Your Golgotha Cross is
a beautiful symbol of this reconciliation and forgiveness."
There is actually a fair amount of symbolism in my choice of this combination and how I wear it. In addition to my above statement, and the manufacturer's description of the Golgotha Cross, the two together represent my major commitments in life; to God and my marriage. My wife placed the necklace on me as a part of our wedding ceremony. I keep the cross in front of the ring to indicate God comes before all else in my life, and reigns supreme over all creation. The circle is equally a Christian and Native American (or First Nations) spiritual symbol, expressing both these dynamics in my life. The circle and cross combo, while not exactly a true "Celtic Cross" where the arms of the cross extend beyond the circle, still has somewhat of a Celtic feel. Both my grandfathers were of Irish heritage. Luke 23:32-43 (NRSV) 32Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death
with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they
crucified Jesus
there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
34Then
Jesus said,
39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding
him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah?
Save yourself and us!" 40But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not
fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41And we
indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for
our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42Then he said, "Jesus,
remember me when you come into
your kingdom." 43He replied,
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