New Modern-Day Hymn...Oh to See the Dawn

Tonight at Rockport we sung the words of a great Hymn by Stewart Townsend and Keith Getty. I thought it might be good to include the story behind the hymn by quoting the article from their website...you will also notice that Townsend is also the author of "In Christ Alone" another modern day hymn that has already swept the English-speaking world.

The original link for this article is http://www.gettydirect.com/insight2.asp?id=16

If you would like to see the words of the song in it's entirety, then click on http://gettymusic.com/USA/lyrics.asp?id=150

Story Behind: The Power of the Cross
Hymn for Communion

"The Power of the Cross" is a meditation on the sufferings of Christ.

Over the past couple of years, we have been working through the Apostles Creed and writing hymns teaching the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.

The Creed teaches that 'He suffered under Pontius Pilate', and in communion we are commanded to 'remember his death 'til he comes'. In the New Testament, Paul and the Apostles often preached and prayed in more detailed and visual ways about the cross, turning all of our senses to Christ's sufferings and their significance.

Stuart and I considered how the reality of His sufferings should penetrate our worship services and were challenged by the need to explain the overwhelming significance and implications these have for our lives. In our congregational worship the sufferings of Christ have often only been given a surface glance and it is hardly surprising that the theological meaning often remains confused:

'This the power of the cross

Christ became sin for us

Took the blame, bore the wrath

We stand forgiven at the cross.'

Our hope is that the hymn; "The Power of the Cross" will be a resource to the church as a declaration of what we believe; a challenging reflection on Christ's sufferings and a powerful song for Easter or Communion services.

It is also our hope that people will be challenged again by the wonder and the power of the cross.