Introduction
As Christians around the world reflect on the profound meaning of the cross and the hope of the resurrection, this Easter season invites us to pause and contemplate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. In this poetic reflection, Sharon Platt-McDonald draws our attention to the suffering, love, and ultimate victory revealed in the shadow of Calvary – reminding us that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we find redemption, hope, and eternal life.
A Seasonal Reflection
“The cross of Christ brings us nigh to God, reconciling man to God, and God to man” (E G White).
The Shadow of the Cross
In quiet contemplation, I picture the cross of Calvary,
And recall again the sacrifice Christ bore for me.
I see His nail-scarred hands and feet, His pierced and bleeding side;
I hear the cry He uttered as He bowed His head and died.
The shadow of the cross envelops me; I see Him writhe in pain.
I hear the scoffers mocking, and taking His name in vain.
I see the love He showed the thief, with the look that saved his soul,
For in Christ’s dying moments, He stopped to make man whole.
I stand beneath the cross’s shadow and sense the struggle He went through,
How He bore the sins of the entire world to save both me and you.
I imagine the pain He suffered, the weight of sorrow He bravely bore,
So one day we might be welcomed through heaven’s open door.
I stand beneath the cross and its shadow, and hear the boisterous crowd,
The voices raised in anger, and in chorus some cursed aloud.
Yet someone paused to whisper, “This truly was the Son of God!”
Still others bowed their heads in silence with a prayerful, reverent nod.
Yes, I saw His penetrating eyes – piercing and pleading to save me.
I felt His precious blood applied, that I might be set free.
I hear His compelling words – “It is finished!” – for war there would be no more;
His sacrifice had won the victory and forever sealed my destiny.
The sacred head wounded, the crown of thorns worn,
The cruel cross and its suffering, the holy heart torn –
I hear the devil’s wager, his demons dancing in glee;
They thought their evil plans accomplished, but their eyes were blind to see.
But resurrection morning was coming – breakthrough lay ahead!
For our precious Lord and Saviour would be risen from the dead!
Hallelujah! The victory has been won, so I would not suffer loss –
Praise God! I felt His awesome love once more
When I stood beneath the shadow of the cross.