The art of olive wood carving is a time honored tradition in Palestine and serves as a major source of income for Christians living in this region. Olive wood comfort prayer crosses are individually hand-carved and smoothly sanded from a single piece of beautifully grained olive wood pruned from the olive trees that flourish around the holy city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus.
Olive trees have been growing in the Holy Land for thousands of years. The olive wood used to create each comfort cross has been sustainably harvested from the trimming of the olive wood tree branches. This annual pruning process is designed to improve the overall health and productivity of living trees. The olive trees are pruned to remove the hard wood and open the tree so new growth can provide a bountiful crop of olives the next year.
This beautiful timber is used by local Christian craftsmen in Bethlehem to carve each cross. The unique grain pattern of each olive wood comfort cross is individually distinctive, created by our Heavenly Father just as He has created each of us.
The olive tree is likely the most significant plant mentioned in both the New and Old Testament. Olive branches are first mentioned in the book of Genesis as the type of leaf brought to Noah by the dove that was released from the ark. In the new testament, olive trees sheltered Jesus as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion.
Olive wood comfort crosses are designed to fit in your palm, purse, or pocket and serve as a reminder of Christ's eternal presence and loving sacrifice. Many people find peace in holding the cross as they pray and others are comforted by simply carrying it on their person as they journey through each day.
We pray that these beautifully grained Holy Land olive wood comfort crosses serve as a reassuring reminder to hold tightly to God's grace, love, and mercy in the midst of trials and in times of uncertainty. Likewise, we pray that the Holy Land olive wood crosses help you remember that God is with you, He cares for you, and that your days are held securely in His hands.