My family and I love to go to Branson, Missouri, at Christmastime. Our favorite place is Silver Dollar City. With millions of lights and good clean fun, it is an outstanding place to take the entire family. Even the saloon's Fa-la-la-lollies is appropriate for the children!
But my very favorite thing about Silver Dollar City at Christmas is the tree in the town square. It is 10 stories high, decorated with lights and synchronized with music. Oh, the pleasure it brings! I could sit for hours and watch the lights and listen to the music.
But this is not my favorite tree of all time. My favorite is one that was cut down many, many years ago near Bethlehem of Judea. This tree was used to make the Old Rugged Cross. I cannot celebrate the birth of Jesus without celebrating the death and resurrection of my Lord. His purpose for coming was to die: "Most assuredly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.........But for this purpose I came to this hour." (John 12:24, 27b) Just to think, that little baby born in such a lowly estate yet God Himself, came to this earth to die--for my sins!
Yes, my favorite tree is
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.
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.
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.
To that Old Rugged Cross I will ever be true, it's shame and reproach gladly bear.
Till He calls me someday to my home far away, where His glory forever I'll share.
Refrain:
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.
My prayer for you this Christmas season is that as you celebrate the birth of our Lord, you will remember the reason He came. And cherish that Old Rugged Cross!
Merry Christmas!
But my very favorite thing about Silver Dollar City at Christmas is the tree in the town square. It is 10 stories high, decorated with lights and synchronized with music. Oh, the pleasure it brings! I could sit for hours and watch the lights and listen to the music.
But this is not my favorite tree of all time. My favorite is one that was cut down many, many years ago near Bethlehem of Judea. This tree was used to make the Old Rugged Cross. I cannot celebrate the birth of Jesus without celebrating the death and resurrection of my Lord. His purpose for coming was to die: "Most assuredly I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.........But for this purpose I came to this hour." (John 12:24, 27b) Just to think, that little baby born in such a lowly estate yet God Himself, came to this earth to die--for my sins!
Yes, my favorite tree is
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.
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.
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.
To that Old Rugged Cross I will ever be true, it's shame and reproach gladly bear.
Till He calls me someday to my home far away, where His glory forever I'll share.
Refrain:
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.
My prayer for you this Christmas season is that as you celebrate the birth of our Lord, you will remember the reason He came. And cherish that Old Rugged Cross!
Merry Christmas!
3 comments:
I never thought of the Cross that way. Thanks for the post.
And a great holiday season to you (since Christmas Day is past)!
My favorite hymn of my childhood...thank you for posting it...we had a very blessed Christmas (())
Love you! :) Patsy
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