Beneath the Cross of Jesus - Traditional

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus
Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One
Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears
Two wonders I confess:
The wonders of redeeming love
And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the cross.

Beneath the Cross of Jesus lyrics were written by Elizabeth Clephane and use the metaphor of a rock in a weary land to describe the refuge found in the shadow of the cross. The song acknowledges the beauty and the glory of the Saviors face seen through the tears of repentance. It emphasizes the peace that comes from laying down ones burden at the feet of the Lord. By singing the Beneath the Cross of Jesus lyrics the congregation finds comfort and strength reflecting on the dual nature of the cross as a place of both terrible sorrow and ultimate sanctuary for the soul seeking home.