The Chimes And The Cross

While gathering firewood late on a cold winter's day,
I heard the sound of chimes from a church far away.
Bringing some beautiful echoes that came over the hill,
Taking away some of the sting from the winter's chill.

Then as I picked up my ax to continue with this chore,
Those sounds became even clearer as I stopped once more.
It was "The Old Rugged Cross" that filled into my ears,
I welcomed it with a smile and more than a few tears.

It had been a part of my Sunday mornings for a long time,
From voices of the congregation with one of them mine.
My thoughts then went to the cross of what took place there,
When Jesus gave His best for all of the world to share.

Giving everyone the opportunity to go to heaven someday,
Through the blood He shed that'll wash our every sin away.
Then He must have been lonely when this cross He bared,
Denied and betrayed by those whose love He had shared.

Then as the chimes stopped it became very quite and still,
As my thoughts continued to be up there on Calvary's hill.
I began to thank my Jesus for everything that He has done,
Thankful for the salvation I have received from God's Son.

This poem won second place for the January 2010 poetry contest