祈禱十字架
Prayer Cross
~9cm

由伯利恆的基督徒工藝家以當地橄欖樹材製作的十字架，可於禱告時置於掌心，或放在口袋裡，安慰、提醒自己「持定所宣認的道」（希伯來書四 14）。

相傳早期受羅馬政府迫害的基督徒，由於未能公開認信，故將十字架藏在衣服內，作為試煉及困境中的安慰及提醒。

十字架是基督教最重要的標記，代表著上主犧牲的愛。用來釘死耶穌的十字架，是一世紀佔領著聖地的羅馬人所用的酷刑。根據新約記載，耶穌的死和復活讓我們的罪得赦免、與神和好（羅馬書五8），而十字架亦因此轉化成生命與愛的標記。

註：這些十字架是由不同的工藝師以天然橄欖樹材製成，每一個都獨一無二，實物形狀及色澤亦因此會跟照片有所出入

This handheld prayer cross fits into the hand as an aid for prayer, is made from locally sourced olive wood and crafted by Christian artisans in the Bethlehem area.

You can hold on to it during prayers or keep it in your pocket as a comfortable reminder to “hold fast to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14).

Tradition has it that early Christians who were persecuted by the Romans and unable to outwardly display their faith, would hide these crosses in their garments as a constant comfort and reminder in times of trial and difficulty.

The cross is the ultimate symbol of Christian faith, communicating the sacrificial love of God. The cross Jesus died on was an instrument of torture used by the Romans occupying the first-century Holy Land. According to the New Testament, Jesus’ death and resurrection made it possible for us to receive forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:8). The cross is thus transformed into a symbol of life and love.

Note: Due to the nature of olive wood and the individuality of the artisans and their processes, every cross is unique and differs slightly from the picture posted