THE BRIGHTLY SHINING CROSS

One hopeless night a star appeared,

blazing like the sun.

A proclamation in the night,

the promised one had come.

Angels came and spread the news,

to men both far and near.

"Wake up world! Arise! Rejoice!

Your Savior now is here!"

"A babe has come to save all men,

in a manger he doth lie.

His holiness will far outshine,

this star up in the sky."

"He brings salvation with Him,

forgiveness for your sins.

He gives you free a priceless gift,

for all who come to Him."

But men were not expecting this,

a babe born in the night.

A warrior King they waited for,

to lead them in their fight.

In vain they watched and waited,

for one who'd not appear.

One who did not fight with words,

but wielded sword and spear.

But words, not swords, the Lord did use,

no weapons would he wield.

He came to reap a holy crop,

to sow a fruitful field.

So when the babe became a man,

God's message He did teach.

Some people simply turned away,

their hearts He could not reach.

But some embraced His message,

they came to know His love.

And walked beside this Holy Lamb,

sent down from God above.

His teachings they did follow,

the Gospel did they spread.

A mission were they given,

"ensure My sheep are fed."

And though our Lord was crucified,

upon that cruel tree.

He gladly paid our debt for us,

in death He set us free.

And now today we follow Him,

His earthly work we do.

Announcing, "Grace is here for all,

not just a chosen few."

Although that star has ceased to shine,

we are no longer lost.

Our way to Him is clearly marked,

by the Brightly Shining Cross.

Stephen and Lisa Atchley, 15 November 1994