Good Friday

This week marks what is known as Holy Week in the Christian faith. Today is Good Friday and this day, through Sunday which is Easter, are the holiest of holy days. It is on this day that Christians all over the world observe the crucifixion of Jesus.

Music is a very powerful and integral part of faith. And if there is one song that is associated with the events of Good Friday, it would no doubt be “The Old Rugged Cross”. Composed by Rev. George Bennard in 1912, it is a quintessential classic American hymn. The lyrics, sung here by Alan Jackson, can stir the heart.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering 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
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
It’s shame and reproach gladly bear
Then he’ll call me someday to my home far away
Where his glory forever I’ll share

And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crownI will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

In these difficult days in which the whole world finds itself, may the peace of Christ be a comfort to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one and may the love of Christ bring new found joy and hope to all who cling to that old rugged cross.

P.S. If you are curious about the meaning and purpose of that old rugged cross, Billy Graham, who spent his entire life preaching the gospel of the Bible, explains it in this brief final message to America filmed in 2015 when he was 97 years old. You can click on the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4TMuee7Ir8&feature=emb_rel_end