The Old Rugged Cross

On a hill far away stood an old rugged Cross,
The emblem of suff'ring and shame;
And I love that old Cross, where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged Cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

Oh, the old rugged Cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged Cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

In the old rugged Cross, stained with Blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For t'was on that old Cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged Cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

To the old rugged Cross I will ever be true.
Its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged Cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

By George Bernard, 1873-1958

What a powerful hymn!  I learned this hymn last month and find it hard to stop singing once I get started on it.  Christ Jesus embraced humiliation and pain on the Cross for the love God has for each one of us.  We are called to pick up our cross daily, whatever pain it may bring, for the sake of sharing Christ's love with the people in our lives. I suggest that you sing this song from start to finish, and see what effect it has on your spirit.  God's blessings upon all of you who take the time to read this poetry blog.