The Cross on the Temple at Saratoga Springs

A cross seems to appear below Angel Moroni as you approach the main entrance of the New Saratoga Springs Temple. Although likely an unintended consequence of the architectural design, it gives me hope that we are finally embracing the universal symbol of Christianity.

In the LDS church, we generally avoid the cross. I grew up being told that we worship a living Christ instead, and that our own lives are a more fitting representation of our faith. From a now older, and more open perspective, I believe we've missed the point:

The cross is a symbol of the love of God, and of the price Jesus paid to redeem each of us. It is a simple reminder of His selfless and infinite atonement. Through the visual representation of the cross, we focus on His life and sacrifice, not our own.

The cross reminds us of our individual worth to Him, and inspires us to re-commit our lives to following the Savior in a very personal and holy way as it strengthens us to bear our own crosses with the same love, determination, and humility.

TOC (April 2023)