On this day in 1886, France presented the United States with the Statue of Liberty.

Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognized symbols of political freedom and democracy in the world. Dedicated on this day in 1886, the statue was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924.

“Lady Liberty” has become the great symbol of freedom, especially for immigrants entering America. The inscription at the base of the statue states, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . .” and many thousands have passed her on their journey to citizenship.

Yet there is a symbol far greater than the Statue of Liberty. And the freedom it represents is eternal. This symbol is a cross.

Actually a cross is kind of a strange symbol when you think about it. Crosses were used for executions. To think of a cross is sort of like thinking of an electric chair or a gallows—not a pretty thought. But God has turned what was evil and ugly into what is good and beautiful.

The Bible teaches that the penalty for sin is eternal death. When Jesus was crucified he paid the penalty for the sins of all humanity. Sin also enslaves us while we are alive. But because of the cross, we can be free from both the penalty and power of sin. By believing in Jesus and trusting in him alone, we can be totally forgiven and have new life! Now that’s real freedom.

Thank God for the cross of Christ and breathe free.

Finally, they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there—Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side (Luke 23:33).

To Do

Today, look for crosses. You’ll see them in very unusual places. For example, each telephone pole forms a cross. Every time you see one, thank God for sending Jesus to die for you in your place.

Also on this day

This is Bring Your Jack-O-Lantern to Work Day.

1965—The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, was completed.

1967—Actress Julia Roberts was born.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.