Cross Coloring Pages — Free Printable Christian Symbol

Cross coloring pages — the central symbol of Christianity

The cross is the central symbol of Christianity. It is the most recognized religious symbol in human history, marking churches, cemeteries, jewelry, art, and pages of every Christian tradition since the second century. For Christian children's ministry, coloring pages featuring the cross are foundational visual literacy — every Sunday school student learns to recognize and color the cross.

This cross section holds every cross-themed coloring page on the site: empty crosses (the resurrection symbol), crucifixes (the Catholic and Orthodox crucified-Christ depiction), decorative crosses (Celtic, Coptic, Eastern Orthodox three-bar), and the various contextual cross images used in Christian devotional art.

Why the cross is the central Christian symbol

The cross became the central Christian symbol around the 4th century — after Constantine's vision of the cross before the battle of Milvian Bridge (312 AD) and his edict of toleration. Before then, early Christians used other symbols (the fish, the chi-rho, the anchor) — partly because crucifixion was still a Roman execution method, and depicting a crucified Lord was considered shameful by the surrounding pagan culture.

The cross matters theologically because:

1. It is the place of redemption

Jesus' death on the cross is the central saving event of Christianity. As Paul writes, "We preach Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:23). The cross is the historical and theological hinge of the gospel.

2. It is the universal symbol of Christ

Across all Christian traditions — Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, Anglican, Reformed, Lutheran, Pentecostal — the cross identifies a place, a person, an action as Christian.

3. It signifies discipleship

Jesus called his followers to "take up the cross" (Matthew 16:24). The cross isn't only a historical event; it's the pattern of Christian discipleship — self-denial, sacrifice, willingness to suffer for Christ.

Types of crosses

Different Christian traditions use different cross styles. Our pages include:

The Latin cross (simple cross)

The most universal form. Vertical beam crossed by a shorter horizontal beam, with the horizontal beam typically about one-third from the top. The default cross in Western Christianity.

The crucifix

The Latin cross with the figure of Christ crucified upon it. Standard in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition, used less commonly in Protestant traditions. Provides constant visual reminder that Christ's death is the source of salvation.

The Eastern Orthodox three-bar cross

A distinctive Eastern Orthodox cross with three horizontal bars: a small upper bar (representing the "INRI" titulus), the larger main bar, and a slanted lower bar (representing the footrest). The slant traditionally tilts upward on Christ's right hand (toward the "good thief" who repented) and downward on his left.

The Celtic cross

A distinctive cross with a circle (or "halo") around the intersection of the beams. Originated in Ireland and Scotland in the early medieval period. Popular in modern Catholic and Anglican settings, particularly in Ireland and the Irish diaspora.

The Coptic cross

The Egyptian Christian cross, with elaborate decorative ends and often featuring 12 points (representing the 12 apostles) and a central element symbolizing Christ.

The Tau cross (Saint Francis cross)

The T-shaped cross adopted as the symbol of the Franciscan order. Drawn from Ezekiel 9:4 ("a mark on the foreheads of those who sigh"). Popular in Catholic devotional contexts.

The Cross of Saint Andrew

The X-shaped cross on which tradition holds Saint Andrew was martyred. The basis for the Scottish flag.

The Cross of Lorraine

A cross with two horizontal beams. Used by the Free French forces in WWII, adopted by various Catholic and Protestant traditions.

Our Christian symbols section covers each of these cross types as standalone coloring pages.

Cross coloring pages by age tier

Preschool

Simple cross outlines, often paired with sunshine, flowers, or hearts. The cross is taught as "Jesus' cross" without elaborating on the crucifixion narrative. Easter morning empty-cross imagery is appropriate.

Kids 5-10

The empty cross (post-Resurrection symbol) is the most common. Crucifix imagery is appropriate but rendered with dignity rather than graphic detail. Discussion focuses on "Jesus died for us and rose again."

Teens

More detailed crucifix imagery available. Discussion engages with the theological weight of the atonement.

Adults

Full intricate cross imagery for Bible journaling, contemplative use, and devotional practice. Adult Catholic devotional pages include the Stations of the Cross (see Stations section), Sacred Heart of Jesus, and other cross-centric devotions.

Major cross-related Bible passages

• Matthew 16:24 — "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"
• Matthew 27:32-44 — the Crucifixion narrative in Matthew
• Luke 23:34 — "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do"
• John 19:30 — "It is finished"
• 1 Corinthians 1:18 — "The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God"
• Galatians 6:14 — "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"
• Philippians 2:8 — "He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross"
• Colossians 2:14 — "Having nailed it to the cross"
• Hebrews 12:2 — "Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross"

Editorial standards for cross content

Standard editorial policy applies. Cross-specific notes:

Reverent depiction

The cross is the central Christian symbol and is depicted with appropriate dignity. Even simple kids-tier cross outlines respect the reverence the symbol deserves.

Catholic vs Protestant emphasis

We publish both crucifix (Christ on the cross) and empty cross variants. Catholic tradition emphasizes the crucifix as visual reminder of Christ's sacrifice; Protestant tradition often emphasizes the empty cross as symbol of resurrection. Both are theologically valid; we don't take a partisan position.

Cross-tradition iconography

We publish cross styles from multiple Christian traditions (Latin, Eastern Orthodox, Celtic, Coptic, Tau, etc.) without favoring one tradition's style.

What's coming next

• The full Cross typology bundle — all major cross styles as a single educational pack
• The Stations of the Cross expanded — see Stations
• The Sacred Heart of Jesus — adult Catholic devotional
• The Triumph of the Cross (September 14) — feast day pages

If you're teaching about the cross, email us.

Related symbols and themes

• All Christian symbols — sacred symbols catalog
• Lamb of God — paired sacrificial symbol
• Stations of the Cross — Catholic Lenten devotion
• Easter Bible coloring pages — empty cross at Resurrection
• Salvation theme — cross-centric theology
• Jesus Christ — central figure of the cross

— Sarah Mitchell, Christian Education Editor