FROM THE MANGER TO THE TREE

by CharlesRobey
(Trussville, AL USA)

Show me the way to that old tree
Show me the first star to give glee
Show me the manger there to see
Show me the Child who was the key
Show me the road to Calvary

Show me the way to that old tree
Show me where He walked for me
Show me where He died for me
Show me where He set me free
Show me the road to Calvary

Show me the way to that old tree
Show me the garden of Gethsemane
Show me where He bent His knee
Show me where He gave His plea
Show me the road to Calvary

Show me the way to that old tree
Show me His flight so I may see
Show me the air in which He did flee
Show me He will come back for me
Show me the road to Calvary

Show Me The Way To That Old Tree- From The Manger To Calvary

The cross, sad to say, has become the single most controversial symbol in history. Its image, down through the ages, has been abused, misused and worshiped. To some, it is a symbol of terror, as known in controversial organizations. To some, it is the symbol of grief, as displayed on our nation's highways. To some, it is a symbol of worship, such as cross jewelry. Yes, some of the world's greatest abuses have been done in front of the cross. Today the cross is displayed pro and con. It is popular with believers and non-believers alike.

So what is the true message of this 'Old Rugged Cross'? The cross is the central theme of the Bible in the New Testament. And it is the theme of the entire full gospel. (I Cor 15:1-4)

Christ lived, died, rose again, ascended into heaven and will be coming again, all to redeem mankind from the inherited sin nature that fell on all mankind, due to our first parents' sin, in the Garden of Eden. (Geneses 3:1-7) For now all who are born are born in sin are in need of a redeemer. (Romans 3:23)

Because of the work of the cross, all mankind can now be justified in the sight of God, In other words, God, the judge, declares the guilty sinner to be in the right with Him. He (God) did this on the basis of Jesus' death on the cross (John 3:16) which fully paid the penalty and acquitted mankind. This is what Jesus' death meant to mankind, redemption. (Romans 3:24)

Jesus absorbed the wrath of God, so that mankind no longer has to take the punishment for sin which mankind in fact deserved. (Romans 3:25)

You see, we are now set right with God, simply through our faith. We could never work our way, pay enough money, or rely on a friend or family member to save us from our inherited sin. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Thus, as this poem relates, Christianity is basically the finished work of that old tree fixed on Mt. Calvary. So sing out the message with me. (The Old Rugged Cross, by George Bennard )

On a hill far away
stood an old rugged cross
the emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross
where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain

CHORUS
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
till my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross
and exchange it someday for a crown

Oh that old rugged cross
so despised by the world
has a wondrous attraction for me
for the dear Lamb of God
left His glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary

To the old rugged cross
I will ever be true
its shame and reproach gladly bear
then He’ll call me someday
to my home far away
where His glory forever I’ll share