On Friday, we will have our Easter Hat Parade, where students from Prep to Year 4 will decorate their hats with Easter themes. I decided I’m going to join in with a hat that reminded me of Easter—perhaps a bit over the top?
I will be wearing a centurion helmet for several reasons.
First, centurions were present at Jesus’ crucifixion. It was a centurion who witnessed His death and declared, "Surely, He was the Son of God." Wearing a Roman helmet also reminds me that salvation through Jesus is not just an idea or belief—it is a historical reality. Roman soldiers were there at His life, death, and resurrection.
Second, the centurion’s helmet brings to mind Ephesians 6, which speaks about putting on the full armor of God: "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Just as a physical helmet protects a soldier’s head from injury, the truth of the cross protects my mind from harmful thoughts and discouraging words—even my own.
Finally, this isn’t just any protective gear—it’s a soldier’s helmet. As a Christian, I stand firm in the power of Jesus. My only weapon is the Bible, with its message of truth and love.
But unlike a physical helmet, my spiritual helmet never comes off. I wear the salvation of the cross every day. You won’t see a helmet on my head, but I hope you see the cross in my words and actions.
Parents, our children are constantly bombarded with harmful ideas, negative influences, and empty words. They need the armor of God, too. Let’s protect their hearts and minds by teaching them the truth of the cross—the day the Son of God gave His life for the forgiveness of sins.
