Lift High the Cross, ELW 660
Devotion
The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Before becoming a pastor I worshiped at a Lutheran church that has a very tall cross in front of the entrance to the building. When I say tall, I mean really tall—the cross stands about fifty feet high and can be seen from a great distance. The early members of the congregation must have taken to heart the saying, "Go big or go home!" The cross makes a quiet, albeit very apparent statement that this place is home to a Christian faith community. The cross also proclaims the victory over sin by Jesus our Savior. The cross points to Jesus' triumph over death and the grave and reminds us that we too are free from death's sting. It is no wonder that this hymn became the favorite hymn of the congregation. It was sung on all festival Sundays and a few Sundays in between. However, the cross was more than a landmark. By placing that cross in a conspicuous place, the congregation did "lift high the cross" and every day they continue to proclaim Christ's love and sacrifice to all who see it.
Prayer
Crucified King, help us to proclaim your love and mercy to everyone we meet. May we lift up the cross of glory by our deeds and actions. Amen.