THE UPPER ROOM DEVOTIONAL 9TH NOVEMBER 2025, SUNDAY MESSAGE
Three Crosses
Reg Rice (Pennsylvania, USA)
Today’s Reading
Mark 8:34-37
Paul wrote, “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.” – Galatians 6:14 (NRSVUE)
“Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.” This familiar refrain from the Communion liturgy frames the story of our faith.
In my little church, there are three crosses on display that differ in style but together symbolize this message for me. One cross is placed on the altar. It is made of metal and painted a dark gold color that makes me think of Jesus’ death on the cross — “Christ has died.” An illuminated cross hangs above the altar. Seeing it, I think of the Resurrection — “Christ is risen.” The third cross, found in the stained-glass window behind the altar, is encircled by a crown. To me, this speaks of Jesus’ return, and I think of the church proclaiming his coming kingdom — “Christ will come again.”
I don’t know if this arrangement of the crosses is intentional, and I don’t know if anyone else in the congregation sees them the way I do. However, looking at the crosses before the service starts and reflecting on this interpretation helps me to prepare for worship. God’s love is all around us, and we can find reminders of God’s unending love when we take the time to look.
Thought for the Day
What symbols and images remind me of God’s love?
Prayer Focus
People preparing for worship
Today’s Prayer
Loving God, help us to notice your presence around us. Thank you for reminders of what you have done and will do for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 9th November 2025 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More