An Empty Cross

Oh how their hopes must have fallen
Trampled underfoot in the dust
Waiting for something to stop the process
For surely something must.

They'd believed in him – been so certain
That he was God's son as he claimed

Yet here he was, sentenced to death
Hideously tortured and shamed

How their hearts despaired, now leaden

Empty of life, somehow betrayed

Seeing how deeply even he agonised

As in the garden in darkness he'd prayed.

And God – dare we say we comprehend
That desperate loss of hope

That extinguished flame, that darkness
that fear that we'll never cope

As we rend our clothes – our souls lay bare
Wounded, tormented, questioning, lost
We cry out for a resurrection
An Easter morn, an empty cross

Oh God, in our afflictions come,

Bring us new life in greater measure

new strength to rise again and live

through sorrow somehow find our treasure

For Lord, you know the reasons why
we beseech you for your grace

From the ashes bring redemption
Send your healing to this place

Victory for those first disciples

Hope reignited, Light restored,

Victory ours through our redeemer
Risen, glorious, sovereign Lord.

Karen Holmes
2/4/2015