In April 2002, along with thousands of others in London, I filed past the casket of Britain's Queen Mother as her body lay in state. In the muffled silence of Westminster Hall, I was struck by the sight of the magnificent crown resting on top of the coffin, and the cross standing nearby—symbols of her life and faith. We had come to pay our respects to a much-loved member of the royal family. But on that night it was clear to me that the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ matters far more than any crown.

For all who trust in Christ, the cross symbolizes our hope both in life and in death. No matter what positions of power we may inherit or achieve, none will follow us beyond the grave. But Christ is the giver of abundant life now and forever.

Before His death on the cross, Jesus said, "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:14-15).

The cross speaks of forgiveness and of peace with God. It points to the merits of Christ and not our own. As we step through the doorway of death, we must lay aside our "earthly crowns." Our only hope is to cling to our Savior, who died so that we could have everlasting life.  — David C. McCasland