The above hymn is based on a long medieval Latin poem that describes the emotions and thoughts of a man as he imagines what it would have been like to actually see Christ hanging on a cross. As we approach Easter, I am once again reminded how easily it is to forget why we celebrate this holiday. There is simply so much to do. Most of it good things (like family get togethers) yet not having anything directly to do with Jesus’ sacrifice. Many of us can easily get lost, preoccupied, worn down, busy, even frustrated with all that grabs our attention. One thing I need to do during Holy Week is to take time to just pray and contemplate what Jesus went through, and how I need to respond. The above hymn helps. It focuses my mind on the sacrifice that happened 2,000 years ago, on my behalf. That, although the sins were mine, the pain that was felt was Jesus’. It helps me to gain perspective when I realize that what I really deserve is to hang on that Cross in place of Jesus. Everything that I experience this week (family, fellowship, time off, a nice vacation,) is simply a gain, a blessing, a boon. Something extra, that I have received, because I did not need to suffer through what I deserve because Jesus took my place. The last stanza helps me to focus on how I can respond. When we are overwhelmed by the reality of what God has done, and we ask, “what words can I say to express my gratitude?” We realize that the only thing we can offer to God is our love. To pray Lord, let me never outlive my love for thee. My this be the desire that is upon our hearts, that our love for God will ever increase, while our selfishness decreases.
Palm Sunday April 14th. During our 8:00 service we will accompany Jesus as he enters Jerusalem to praise and shouts of Joy. Our 10:00 Service will be our Holy Week Cantata Performance.
Good Friday or Holy Friday Service April 19th at 7:00 PM. Good Friday commemorates the day when our Lord gave his life to save us from our sins. It is a very humbling service, as we contemplate the cost that Jesus paid for our redemption.
Easter Sunday Celebration April 21st 8:00 & 10:00 AM. Easter is when we relive the victory of Jesus, when he defeated death by rising from the dead. This is when worship begins with the shouts of the redeemed: “Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed.” The achingly painful story comes to the amazing ending which truly never ends. This is also when we embrace the new life that Jesus won for us.
Please join us for any and all of these memorable services. All are welcome!