In some of the oldest crucifixion scenes we have, the cross is shown to be a green, living thing, with fresh branches sprouting out of it and tender leaves springing forth. It is, of course, not the killing tree but the tree of life from the garden of Eden, and Jesus is the sweet, ripe fruit of it. Our own Crucifixion scene makes an allusion to this with the dead tree of Eden just behind Jesus' cross. Only if you look closely the once dead tree is beginning to sprout new life. He is risen.
Humanity is given a fresh beginning.
A long tradition in the Church, especially in the Eastern European churches, is to reverence the Cross without the body of Jesus attached. The Cross is often decorated with fine jewels, precious metals, mosaic, or colorful enamel. What in the eyes of the world is a shameful symbol of defeat, in light of the resurrection is turned into a symbol of eternal life. A symbol of hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The Cross itself and the loving death that took place upon it becomes our own anchor of hope.