Oh to see the Dawn (The Power of the Cross) - Song for Easter

A great song for Easter by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend reminding us of the power and victory of the cross: "Christ became sin for us; took the blame, bore the wrath - we stand forgiven at the cross."



Lyrics:

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

The Power of the Cross
Words and Music by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Just A Closer Bop with Thee

This week I enjoyed a night out with my wife at Venue 505 to listen to some Jazz. The band was 'Transit' -  'an exciting collaboration of Sydney and Melbourne Jazz musicians' featuring Sydney musicians Con Campbell (tenor sax), Peter Kohlhoff (bass), John Morrison (drums) alongside Melbournians Greg Ambroisine (trumpet) and Andy Vance (piano)'.  We have heard Con Campbell a number of times at a variety of events - often outreach events put on by Christian groups - but this is the first time we have heard Transit. 

Venue 505 in Surry Hills was the 'atmospheric' (read dingy) venue - much of the seating is on ancient lounges. The attendance was reasonable, but nowhere near as crowded as might have been expected from the standard of the music - which was quite brilliant. Even more exciting was the commitedly Christian foundation of the band.

The music was not the usual 1930's and 40's fare often played by Jazz bands, but included adaptations of a number of hymns, including 'All People that on Earth Do Dwell' (1551), 'Crown Him with Many Crowns', 'Be Still My Soul' and 'Just a Closer Walk (Bop?) with Thee'. There were also a number of brilliant Andy Vance originals including 'Baker Man', 'Full House' and 'New Hope'.

We were so impressed we bought the CD, but of course there is something special about a live Jazz concert. The sad news is that Greg is headed to Germany shortly, so live concerts may be in short supply!

You can check out some more music on the website at: http://www.transitjazz.com/en/listen

Or listen to "Just a Closer Walk" here: