Why has the cross become the central symbol of Christianity rather than something more pleasant like a baby in a manger or more hopeful like an empty tomb?  It’s probably more than the fact that a cross looks good on a necklace.

The main reason is that the cross was the location of the key event in history – the saving, redeeming, substitutionary death of Jesus.  This point in time is the peak of a holy, just, and loving God’s redemption plan revealed over centuries in the Old Testament and more fully in the New Testament – through promises and covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and the prophets.  Jesus himself pronounced his work “finished” as he died.  

The cross was part of the fulfillment of the law that Jesus promised – even though he was innocent, he was hung on a tree, punished as one who is cursed. It was our curse that punished him, and all who believe in Him receive his righteousness.

The manger or the shepherds hearing the angel choir are wonderful symbols of the announcement of Messiah’s arrival.  The empty tomb symbolizes the magnificent resurrection of Jesus from the dead, which was God’s proof that He would do what was promised at the cross – conquer sin and death.  But the cross is the main point. 

And the fact that the cross endures as the central symbol provides some proof that the early church got it right and Christians in all generations since have been faithful to repeat what the eyewitnesses declared.