Faithful cross, true sign of triumph, Be for all the noblest tree; None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit your equal be; Symbol of the world’s redemption, For the weight that hung on thee! (LSB 454 St. 4)
SCRIPTURE READINGS
HYMNS FOR THE DAY
- Opening Hymn “Awake, My Soul, with Gladness” (LSB 467) Text here.
- Hymn of the Day “Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle” (LSB 454) Text under “more” in video.
- Distribution Hymns
- “Savior, When in Dust to Thee” (LSB 419) Text under “more” in video.
- “Drawn to the Cross, Which Thou Hast Blessed” (LSB 560)
- “Jesus, Refuge of the Weary” (LSB 423) Text under “more” in video.
- “If Your Beloved Son, O God” (LSB 568)
- Closing Hymn “Lift High the Cross” (LSB 837) Text under “more” in video.
holy cross day
Sermon
A note from Pastor regarding his sermon:
Hopefully, Lutherans hear about the cross every time they gather for worship! It symbolizes not only the love of God and the forgiveness He offers His people, but the terrible price God was willing to pay to reconcile us to Him. It beautifully and profoundly reminds us of the serious consequences of our sins – what we deserved for our disobedience. But it also reminds us of the Gospel message that God Himself has truly paid that price on our behalf.
This meaning behind the cross is not new to any of us, but perhaps it can be easy for us to take for granted the cross as a symbol of our faith. In some churches, it can blend into the background decorations of a place of worship. Or be moved aside. Or be removed entirely, for one reason or another. And so, Holy Cross Day gives us an opportunity to remember how significant the cross truly is, so that we may be emboldened to always lift high the cross!