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The Annual Good Friday Entry
Good Friday is my absolute favorite holy day. My grandmother, a staunch Lutheran, liked to say that we Protestants focused more on the resurrection than on the crucifixion, a positive distinction from the Catholics who wore the crucifix around their necks as if Christ were still dead. Although I appreciate her schismy fervor, I love the story of Christ's death more than that of his resurrection and ascension... I can understand why people like the promise of eternity that the latter story gives, but the fact that Christ loved us enough to die in the first place is so sublime that it eclipses even the happy conclusion. There's this amazing combination in him of strength, compassion and submission that makes me all shivery... we have a very complex, impossibly wonderful God, and it's this one day that reminds me of that, more than any other time of the year. And now, a Good Friday (well, Palm Sunday/Good Friday/Easter) hymn that I adore...
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Hear all the tribes "Hosanna!" cry.
Oh Savior meek, your road pursue,
With palms and scattered garments strewn.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp, ride on to die.
Oh, Christ, thy triumph now begin
Over captive death and conquered sin.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh.
The Father on his sapphire throne
Expects his own annointed son.
Ride on, ride on in majesty!
In lowly pomp, ride on to die!
Bow your meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, oh Christ, your power and reign!