The Sign of the Cross

The other night I went over to a neighbor's house for the first time. Their home was so beautifully decorated I found myself being somewhat envious. After a few seconds of that I quickly got over myself and I noticed that they had one wall covered entirely in crosses. These were not just cheap, generic crosses but unique examples of craftmanship and artistry. As I stood looking at the crosses the words to the old hymn came to my mind:

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross 0n which the Prince of Glory died;

My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.

See from His head, His hands, his feet...sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e're such love and sorrow meet? Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

I'm just curious....when did this start? Perhaps the first decorative crosses came from the Catholic church then the Protestants took Jesus off of the cross and continued the tradition. I'll have to research this.

Another thought.....By using crosses as decorations or for jewelry...do we water down the significance of the cross? Obviously anyone who died by being crucified spent their last hours in agonizing pain and humiliation.
Of course Jesus not only died in this horrible way but also took on deep spiritual pain as well as he suffered for the sins of mankind.

What are your thoughts? I'm still thinking about this. I'm sure each person would see this differently. May the sign of the cross increase your faith today.