Glory Cross

Glory Cross

The Glory Cross is a cross adorned with some sort of shining light, with or without rays emanating from that light. (Such a Rayed Cross is known in heraldry as Rayonny, Rayonnée or Rayonnante.) The cross can be any form but is usually a simple Latin Cross so that the light remains the centre of focus.

A shining Glory Cross helps Christians to contemplate the glory and true meaning of the cross; the powerful love shown by Christ's crucifixion, and like the sparkles of the Jewelled Cross, the light reminds us of His resurrection. Torches are emblems of enlightenment, truth, and divine wisdom.

Cynics might say the Glory Cross is evidence that Christians are really Sun worshippers; an idea discussed on the Sun Cross page. We also debunk that idea on another page, Glory Be.

In another context, this form is known as the Nativity Cross.

Other crosses with flames include Flaming Cross, Sun Cross, Rising Sun Cross and the Star Cross.