Hi First Presbyterian Church,

It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up! I’m on vacation this week, so I automated this week’s note to be sent before I left. I’m still reflecting on my sermon text from this past Sunday – Galatians 6:1-16. In particular, I’m reflecting on verse 14: “May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” There is an old, lesser known hymn that focuses on the theme of the cross of Christ and how special and powerful it is for followers of Christ. Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane, a Scottish hymnwriter from the nineteenth century, wrote the following stanzas for a hymn entitled, “Beneath the Cross of Christ.” I hope you are encouraged by them!

 Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty Rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat
and the burden of the day.

 Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me.
And from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

 I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place.
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face,
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.

 Peace to you,

Pastor Aaron