Surveying the Wondrous Cross at Christmas

Isaac Watts lived from 1674 till 1748 and during this time he wrote "WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS"! Charles Wesley reportedly said that he would give up all his other hymns to have written this one! Lowell Mason (1792 - 1872) put it to music around 1825 and it has since been one of the most beloved hymns of Christianity. Modern evangelicals, of course, do not sing this hymn because it is too old and it is now placed in the basket of relics along with exegetical preaching and the administration of the sacraments!

If you call yourself a Christian, when was the last time you surveyed the Wondrous Cross for a few moments or event a few seconds.

Take a few moments on this day before Christmas to read and ponder these words. This is the reason Christ came into the world. Once again, I don't think Isaac Watts was concerned about his personal journey of faith and how he could apply the teachings of Christ to his life. He was grateful for his salvation that was purchased at so great a cost.

WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o'er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.