My blog readers from the United States will know that this weekend we in the US are celebrating Memorial Day, a federal holiday for remembering the people who died while serving in our armed forces. This holiday, which originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War, is now observed every year on the last Monday of May. Many people will visit cemeteries and memorials this weekend to honor those who died to win and preserve our freedoms. Many volunteers will place American flags on the graves of those who died while serving. And while we are thankful for those who served and gave their lives for us, there is a more important death that we should remember each day of our lives - the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. He died that we might be saved, be forgiven and set free from our sins and have the hope of an eternal life with Him. Centuries ago the Apostle Paul shared this challenge in Galatians 6:14, "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." It was this verse that Sir John Bowring (1792-1872) apparently had in mind when he penned the words of this week's hymn choice in 1825. It is said that Bowring possessed at an early age a remarkable power of attaining languages. He could speak fluently in 22 languages and converse in almost a hundred more He became editor of "The Westminster Review" in 1825, and was elected to Parliament in 1835. In 1849, he was appointed Consul at Canton, and in 1854, was made Governor of Hong Kong,. He received the honor of knighthood. Tradition says that Bowring was sailing past the coast of Macao, China. On the shore were the remains of an old, fire gutted church. Above the ruins, he saw the church's cross still standing, and this image, and Galatians 6:14, provided the inspiration for his hymn. Incidentally, the title of this hymn was carved on Bowring's tombstone. Much has happened in this world since these words were penned nearly two centuries ago, but the impact and power of the cross of Christ still stands. Men of all nations have tried their own ways to find power, hope, peace and understanding. But all have failed and their futile efforts have become the wrecks of time. But Christ, through His sacrifice on the Cross and his resurrection from the dead, alone is the only way to freedom, peace and hope. He alone can change lives. He and His power are the same yesterday, today and forever. May we recognize and celebrate that each day of our lives.
1. In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
2. When the woes of life o'ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.
3. When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.
4. Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.
5. In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o'er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
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