Our recent trip to Germany ended with a day in Berlin. Our guide was born and raised in East Berlin, living 27 years behind the wall before it was torn down. Because of that, he had an interesting perspective and insights on the history of Germany that he shared with us.

One of the structures in what was East Berlin is the “Fernsehturm Berlin,” the Berlin Television Tower. It was constructed between 1965 and 1969. Because Russia was in control of East Germany, they decided to include tribute to Sputnik, the first manmade object to orbit the earth. This was during the Cold War and Russia was trying to assert their dominance in the Space Race.

You may be aware that during the Russian occupation of East Germany, they removed the crosses from churches. What they hadn’t counted on was what would happen after they built this tower. When the sun shines on the round replica of Sputnik, it reflects in the shape of a cross.

After the reunification of Germany, crosses were once again placed on the domes and spires of Churches. But the cross reflecting off a monument to a godless government continues to shine over them all. When I heard this story and saw the reflection for myself, a couple of passages came to mind.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

The cross is not just an ornament or a piece of jewelry. It is a graphic reminder of the extent of God’s love for His creation. Jesus willingly went to that instrument of torture and death to offer His sinless life as the payment for the sins of the world. He paid our debt and gives us life instead of death. Faith in Him lays hold of what He earned, guaranteeing forgiveness and eternal life. The cross reminds us of what Jesus did.

1 Corinthians 1:23–24 …we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.