It's an Illness

BEAUTIFUL song that we frequently sing at church, "In Christ Alone" contains images of Christ's life on earth and all that it means to me and my eternity. Unfortunately, however, it contains a word that takes my mind in a completely opposite direction. Not lewd or sinful, just definitely not worshipful. There is a phrase that refers to Christ "bursting forth (from the grave) in glorious day". That phrase IMMEDIATELY turns my mind to the movie "City Slickers" in the scene where Billy Crystal has his entire arm inside a cow trying to assist her in delivering a calf. (See? Not at all a reverent image, is it?) Jack Palance becomes even more gruff and yells at Billy Crystal to quit talking and hurry up: "Can't you see she's bursting?" Horrified, Billy Crystal replies, "Bursting? Nobody said there was going to be bursting!!"

Seriously, I have probably heard and/or sung that song 30 times and, try though I might I always end up there in my thoughts. And, just as I am trying to get back to focusing on the song it contains the word "pluck". So my train of thought scoots on over to KFC or a Wallace and Grommet film. It's an illness.

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
Fullness 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 it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Brought 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