Family Sings Uplifting Version Of 'Near The Cross'

The Petersens released a live music video of them singing the classic Good Friday hymn ‘Near The Cross.’

The Petersens are a family band performing full-time in Branson, MO. Their band members are Katie Petersen on fiddle, Ellen Petersen on banjo, Matt Petersen on guitar, Julianne Petersen on mandolin, Karen Petersen on bass, and Emmett Franz on dobro. Emmett sings ‘Near the Cross,’ and sounds very good.

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.

‘Near The Cross’ was written by Fanny J Crosby, the words were written to a tune already composed by Mr. Doane, and at his request and was published in 1869. The words and tune sound so perfect and in this hymn, Crosby tells Jesus Christ to keep her ‘near the cross’ and in his love and grace.

In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
Nothing then shall sever.

This year we did not spend Good Friday and Easter the way we used to, but we are grateful that we are alive and are together at home.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me.

Today as the Petersens sing this beautiful Good Friday song we need to all draw nearer to the cross of Jesus during these terrifying times and it is by His precious blood that we are safe from the coronavirus pandemic. Amen.