This ironwork grill of the Celtic cross combined with the trumpet banner decorated with a crown and cross adorns the exterior of Benton Chapel, Vanderbilt University. Today's reading of Psalm 98 proclaims: "With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD."

In the tradition of Christian symbolism, the cross and crown identifies Christ as the triumphant King, defeating even death. The Celtic cross has had many meanings ascribed to it; perhaps the one most likely to relate to the Benton Chapel cross is the representation of God's love that encircles the world and that through Christ's sacrifice, all peoples are included.

Together with the words from the letter of Thessalonians, contemporary Christians respond: "For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Donated by The Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.