So much more than just this. It is a visual expression of the mystery of God's Incarnation. It is a visual expression of the mystery of atonement, and of every human soul's call to conversion in Christ and acceptance of our own crosses in response to this call. It signifies Jesus's unreserved gift of self for the sake of his spouse the Church. It signifies the liturgical mystery of the Eucharist. Each of these elements is worthy of an eternity of contemplation; the crucifix is a bottomless reservoir of mystery offered to every Christian.
“It is a visual expression of the mystery of God’s Incarnation”
Of course for us Protestants this is the problem, believing as we do that visual representations of God are forbidden.
I just wanted to defend the purpose I think RC’s have of the crucifix, it is not a glorification of violence, and I am happy to defend RCs on that.