Good Friday

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 the grace of redemption was slain.

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 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 up to Calvary.
Refrain

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.
Refrain

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Christ will call me some day to my home far away,
Where his glory forever I’ll share.
Refrain

George Bennard, 1912; alt.
Tune: THE OLD RUGGED CROSS (Irregular with refrain)




Four Years Ago: There is a green hill far away

Three Years Ago: Ah, holy Jesus

Two Years Ago: When I survey the wondrous cross

One Year Ago: Were you there when they crucified my Lord?