Streams of Mercy

“Flowering the Cross” is an Easter tradition at many churches. On Easter morning, a barren wooden cross is transformed into a symbol of new life by the adorning of flowers, tucked into the chicken wire covering the cross. The exact origins of the flowering of the cross cannot be pinpointed to any one denomination or any specific time in history, except that references to flowering crosses began appearing in art as early as the sixth century. Some say, too, that perhaps the flowering of the cross has its beginning in a legend where it is said that the tears Mary shed at the foot of Jesus’ cross miraculously turned into flowers.

At Jackson Springs Presbyterian, our tradition is to come forward during the singing of the first hymn and flower the cross. After worship, it is put outside for the entire community to enjoy. Last year, we did not gather for Easter worship because of the coronavirus that had begun sweeping the country as the 2020 Lenten season began. The decision was made to place the cross at the foot of the steps that Easter Sunday, and to invite folks to stop by during the day and add flowers. The cross was in place as a witness to our faithfulness in a difficult time.

Fast forward to Easter 2021. We are worshiping together again outdoors and together we flowered the cross as we gathered for worship. The candles of Easter Joy were no match for the cool morning breezes, and the cars whizzing by accompanied our singing “Christ the Lord is Risen Today. ” We were blessed by Jim Blue singing “The Holy City” and by the singing of birds and the beautiful butterflies fluttering around the flowered cross – all under a canopy of long leaf pine, and Carolina blue sky. Easter Hope bloomed in Jackson Springs!

A year has gone by, and we are now living into a new reality. As difficult and divided as our world might be, the living God is still alive, and this year, we flowered the cross with renewed faith and hope. One pastor stated: “I am hoping that this year, the promise of the resurrection will be our realization that we don’t have to be who we were, but that we can rise to that calling of being better – together … As the flowers on the Easter cross fade, there is always hope beyond hope. That is the Easter message.” (Presbyterians Today, “Easter Hope Blooms”, Mar-Apr)

Hope beyond hope! May it be so in your life and mine, in the life of faith we share, and in all of life.

Elizabeth