I’m struck by life—how precious it is, how rich and how fleeting. Today I have a friend fighting leukemia, a young Mom facing a heart transplant and a friend remembering the anniversary of his teenage son’s death. Each of these are sobering reminders that life is precious and far too often I take that life for granted.
There are those who say that death is a natural part of life, but I disagree. Death is not natural, it is the result of the fall. Death is the enemy but death has been defeated.
One of the most startling tenants of the Christian faith is the resurrection. But before his resurrection, the Scriptures tell us that Christ literally descended into hell to “preach to the captives”. Thus the resurrection stands as a reminder of Christ’s victory over death, hell and the grave and through him we too are victors. In fact, the church gives us an ancient hymn whose lyrics are simple, yet deeply profound.
Christ has risen from the dead, trampling down death by death
And upon those in the tombs bestowing life
On May the 9th, 2008 I stood at the funeral of a dear friend whose death was sudden and tragic. Probably more than any other death I’ve ever experienced, this one shook me to the core. When I would least expect it, waves of grief would completely overwhelm me.
One evening, shortly after the funeral, I shared his life and tragic loss with our friends David and Jessica. A couple days later, David shared this song with me that he had written a few years before. The first time I heard the song, I wept because it not only expressed the pain and loss I felt, but the hope of the cross.
For those who are struggling, the cross stands as an offering of hope to the hopeless and help to the hurting. The cross stands at the unique intersection where joy and sorrow meet.
Where Joy and Sorrow Meet
Words and Music by David James White
© 2005 Everytown Music Publishing, Inc.
ASCAP
There’s a place of quiet stillness
‘tween the light and shadows reach
Where the hurting and the hopeless
Seek everlasting peace
Words of men and songs of angels
Whisper comfort bittersweet
Mingling grief and life eternal
Where joy and sorrow meet
Chorus:
There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus feet
Where joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place the lost surrender
And the weary will retreat
Full of grace and mercy tender
In times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing
Strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming
Where joy and sorrow meet
Chorus:
There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus feet
Where joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place of thirst and hunger
Where the roots of faith grow deep
And there is rain and rolling thunder
When the road is rough and steep
But there is hope in desperation
There is victory in defeat
At the cross of restoration
Where joy and sorrow meet
Chorus:
There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus feet
Where joy and sorrow meet
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