As our family enters its third year without Nate, we hit two important dates immediately: Thanksgiving last Thursday and our anniversary today. Anniversaries are for couples not individuals, but I know November 29^th will always be important to me, even without my husband.

Nate was A+ at remembering dates, but when it came to our anniversary, he wanted to be extra sure. He had our initials and the date put on his car’s license plate: MN1129. Every time he approached his vehicle, he wanted to be reminded of me and of our marriage. My guess is this gesture would please any wife, and I know it pleased me.

This year would have been our 42^nd anniversary. Of course I didn’t expect a gift, but my always-thoughtful sister gave me something special to mark the day, a handsome picture of a smiling Nate in a unique frame. Only 3” high and glittering with crystal “jewels,” it’s in the shape of a stunning crown.

Although Nate was a wonderful man, he had no royal reason to wear a crown, yet Scripture tells us he’s wearing one now. Actually we’re all destined for crowns because of our membership in King Jesus’ royal family.

Paul writes about this unique privilege toward the end of his earthly life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

In studying the Bible’s use of the word “crown,” I found detailed descriptions of 9 jewels sparkling in God’s Designer version:

• crowned with glory and honor
• crowned with God’s bounty
• crowned with beauty
• crowned with victory.
• crowned with blessings
• crowned with knowledge.
• crowned with love and compassion
• crowned with everlasting joy
• crowned with life eternal

That sounds like a crown that will be a delight to wear!

And another royal fact: according to the Bible, God sees us as jewels. This makes no sense until we realize he’s looking at us through the dazzling perfection of his Son, who wore a crown of thorns the day he brought royal standing to us. Unlike us, though, he actually deserves his crown. Make that a set of crowns: “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True… On his head are many crowns.” (Revelation 19:12)

And just so there’s no confusion about who that was, Scripture makes it clear: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16)

So today, on what would have been Nate’s and my anniversary, I had a sparkling good time thinking about my dear one’s crown, the crowns in God’s storehouse waiting for the rest of us, and the many crowns of Jesus Christ.

Stunning!

“The crown of righteousness… not only to me, but also to all who have longed for [Christ’s] appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)