Jesus isn’t dead and he isn’t on the cross. Why does anyone use a crucifix? The sight of the crucifix, as a symbol of my Lord in pain and death, is gruesome to me.
"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness
1 Corinthians 1:23
and
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
The Incarnation and Passion of Christ are among the most important events that ever happened on this earth. They are so crucial to our salvation, and so perfectly show forth His incomprehensible love for us, that Christians will never stop portraying the events of both His birth and His death in the most visible way possible.
We Christians portray Him also risen from the dead, and seated at the right hand of the Father.
Look, see the power and the pathos of it all, and adore Him!
It is to me, as well. I think it also plays down the truth of the resurrection and the Apostle Paul says if Christ be not risen our faith is in vain, we are dead in our sins and without hope in this world and "Of all men most miserable".