In Christ Alone

Not long ago, I attended a memorial service for a great man I once knew in college.  His wife, also a dear friend from college, and I had been communicating the last weeks before his passing. One of the things I encouraged her to do was to plan his memorial service as a family. This was something we did with Brian and is one of the sweetest moments I remember from his last days with us on Earth. Surrounded by his closest friends, it was a little bit like: "let's plan a party for you, but we know you won't be there because you'll already be with Jesus."

The thing about memorial services is that they are sad. People grieve. Everyone cries. It is the jarring reality that his life is now over and we won't see him again for the rest of earthly journey. Ever.

But, it is also a celebration and an opportunity to reflect on the power of the cross. It is a sobering moment to remember we are not in control. We are mortal and fallible and dust. And a sobering moment to remember the price that was paid for eternity in Paradise. It is finished. And it is a beautiful moment to praise Jesus for His work on the cross.

When my father passed away (almost 17 years ago), I remember Sara--my teacher, my mentor, my friend--saying to me as we made pallets on the floor for all the many people staying at our house: "Doesn't your dad's passing make Easter even more meaningful?" She was right.

In Christ Alone is one of my favorite hymns ever. I can never make it through the last verse without throwing my arms to heaven and weeping with gratefulness. Enjoy.

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,

firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my All in All,

here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh

Fulness of God in helpless babe!

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones he came to save:

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied -

For every sin on Him was laid;

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave he rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine -

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath.

Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand;

Till He returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.