Within the Shadow of the Cross

Words: F. Richard Garland, 2012
Music: tune, REST, Frederick C. Maker, 1887
Scriptures: Matthew 27:57-28:10; Mark 15:42-16:8; Luke 23:50-24:12; John 19:38-20:10
Topics: cross, crucifixion, Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil, Resurrection, Easter

This hymn by F. Richard Garland is rooted in the gospel narratives of Jesus' burial on Good Friday. It is especially suitable for the Easter Vigil service or for an Easter sunrise service to make the transition from the tomb to Resurrection. The author writes of this hymn, "It had its genesis in two articles in Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, Vol. XXVII, No. 2. In his article, Percy Ainsworth wrote of journeying toward the sunrise. In her article, Pamela Hawkins wrote of hope making Holy Saturday 'livable, survivable, and mysteriously full of promise.' This new text begins at the cross and tomb and journeys to the Easter dawn, inviting us to join those who have kept the vigil and those who have done so before."

Within the Shadow of the Cross (pdf)