Blogging the Bible 286 – John 2:13-3:36 – God so loved the world

Over the chancel steps of our church stands a wooden arch. It bears an almost-life-size crucifix, and words from John 3:16 – ‘God so loved the world’. It wasn’t a part of the original building design. It was added in 1919, as part of a memorial after the First World War. At the sides of the arch are brass plaques recording the names of 123 men from the parish who died in that conflict. It says a lot about the power of the Cross that this was the image and verse chosen to respond to that appalling loss. People drew comfort not only from the knowledge of the victory of Christ over death, but also from the knowledge that he has shared our life, with all its joys and sorrows, and our death.

Wherever life is dark just now, remember this – God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.