The Old Rugged Cross

This is a favourite hymn from long ago. When I was only about 5 years old my Dad was a pastor and we went once a month to the senior's home in the area to conduct a service. It was my job to hand out the hymn books. I remember dearly loving to sing this hymn in that place. I suppose that is where my fondness for it began.

Since having babies of my own it has become more precious as I shared it with them while tucking them into bed for the night. It focuses our attention on the One that really matters...why we live!

The Old Rugged Cross

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 someday for a crown.

Oh, 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 someday for a crown.

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so Divine,

A wonderful 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 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 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.

George Bennard (1873-1960)