As you travel around Evergreen, you will notice crosses on churches that are partially covered with snow or standing stark and plain against a background of trees without leaves-unless surrounded by evergreens. Just as winter leads to spring, the lonely cross can lead to the Good News of Easter.
The Celts referenced the cross throughout their day as part of their prayers, and crosses-both plain and ornate-were near each church for people to stop and pray at. The Celtic cross stands with the large O in the center, eternity held up by the cross, our remembrance of creation and redemption. Or is it the sun of Easter shining through the dark icon of the crucifixion? (Noel Dermott O'Donoghue, The Mountain behind the Mountain) Regardless, as we move through Lent, we can use the cross as we go through our day to remind us to pray.
May the cross of the crucifixion tree
Upon the wounded back of Christ
Deliver me from distress,
From death and from spells.
The cross of Christ without fault,
All outstretched towards me;
O God, bless to me my lot
Before my going out.
What harm soever may be therein
May I not take thence,
For the sake of Christ the guileless,
For the sake of the King of power.
In name of the King of life,
In name of the Christ of love,
In name of the Holy Spirit,
The Triune of my strength.
Prayer of Protection, Carmina Gadelica, III, p. 109