Zion’s Processional Crucifix

Churches from time to time receive different gifts from members and the loved ones of members. We are great full for all of the gifts which are given to the church. From time to time a gift is given which requires more then simple inclusion in the church. Some gifts which are to be included in the liturgical life of the church need to be accompanied by teaching. The recent gift of a processional crucifix requires this additional teaching along with it.

The Altar Guild Manual by Lee Maxwell offers this teaching about processional crucifixes:

“Common in many Lutheran churches is the processional cross. A processional cross is a cross (preferably a crucifix) mounted on a staff and carried… As the name implies, this cross is used in processions. It may be carried in an entrance procession at the beginning of the service, the Gospel procession (when the minister and attendants carry the lectionary or Gospel book into the middle of the nave for reading the Gospel), or, if customary, to the gravesite in the service for the Burial of the Dead. When it is not being carried during the service, the processional cross rests in a stand in the chancel or in a bracket mounted on the chancel wall. If a service is being conducted in which there are no processions, the preferred custom is for the processional cross to be placed in the sacristy (unless, of course, the processional cross also serves as the altar or chancel cross). (Maxwell, Lee. The Altar Guild Manual. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO. 2008. pg. 44).

Here we have some of the different uses for the processional crucifix. But it goes just beyond the use but also to the salutary nature of the reminder which we are given when we see Christ on the cross. There as we see the processional crucifix enter the church or at the graveside we are reminded of the presence of Jesus Christ who has had victory over sin, death and the devil.

Here we have some of the different uses for the processional crucifix. But it goes just beyond the use but also to the salutary nature of the reminder which we are given when we see Christ on the cross. There as we see the processional crucifix enter the church or at the graveside we are reminded of the presence of Jesus Christ who has had victory over sin, death and the devil.

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