On a Cross Uplifted High

A rich text by David Rogner paired with a sturdy tune and triumphant setting by Jonathan Kohrs. Useful for Good Friday, Holy Cross Day, Missions and Witness, or Baptisms, this setting is for SATB, organ, and trumpet and includes congregational participation.

On a cross uplifted high
You were raised, O Christ, to die;
Draw us, Savior, there to see
Our salvation, full and free.
Foolish, to the worldly-wise,
Is the cross before our eyes,
But for us by faith it shines,
God's great wisdom, pow'r divine.

In this sign You meet us, Lord,
At the font, with water poured,
When Your holy cross is marked,
On each forehead, on each heart.
Daily, that imprinted sign
So conforms the heart and mind
To the Pattern from above, from above,
Image of God's perfect love. 

Send us out, Lord, undeterred,
Make us doers of Your Word,
Gladly taking up the cross,
Finding gain in ev’ry loss.
When we faint with doubt or fear,
May Your cross to us appear.
Sign of vict’ry, glorious sight,
Source of hope and guiding light.

Text copyright © 2020 Concordia Publishing House.