Hymns

Have you ever really thought about the words to hymns or do you just sing them at church? I have to admit, while I think I know the words to most standard old hymns, I don't always think about what the words are really saying. Now, you may ask, what in the world has brought this subject up? Well, years ago, my Daddy passed on the passion for music, and in that I must admit, is the love of good gospel music. I'm talking that real country gospel. Well, since my normal SNL got a late start tonight, I had to find SOMETHING to watch (or really to listen to) while I got some work done. Lo and behold, GAC has a gospel special on from the Grand Ole Opry (where else?) and it is amazing. If you like music, regardless of whether you like gospel, if you ever get a chance to see it, it's called How Great Thou Art. If you like music, there's no way you could be disappointed--this coming from someone who is not crazy about country music. Anyway, as I sit here patiently waiting for someone to sing my favorite hymn, which happens to be "In the Garden," I have cried my eyes out listening to Brad Paisley sing "The Old Rugged Cross." Talk about a hymn. I have never really heard it like I did tonight.

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;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

O that 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 some day for a crown.

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas 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 some day for a crown.

To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day 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 some day for a crown.