Review

The “Why We Worship Series” just keeps getting better and better. From 'Father' to 'Holiness' to last year’s amazing 'Intimacy', it seems with each release that the series has reached its zenith. Somehow, Vineyard keeps cranking out great releases in this new thematic series and 'The Cross' is easily the best so far.

The all-female vocal cast is poetically fitting for a set of songs devoted to 'The Cross'. You’ll remember that is was three women who stood at the foot of His cross and who ran to anoint His body on that first Easter morning. Whether intentional or not, the choice to feature some of VMG’s best female worship leaders was quite a stroke of brilliance. Especially when those three are Sheri Keller, Andy Arganda and Monique Tute, you know you’re about to be blessed.

This artful recording of songs begins with 'Redeemed' sung by Andy Arganda. The opening strains of 'Whiter than snow/ You have made me/ Holy in the Father’s eyes/ You see in me/ The Child you died for/ You see in me/ The one You love..' set the tone for a reverent, sometimes joyful portrait of the passion of Christ.

Sheri Keller’s poignant 'Back To The Cross' delicately unfolds the many layers of wonder and awe that engulf the Cross of Christ. As she sings 'Child of my heart/ I will not forget you/ See on my hands/ Are the marks of my love/ Come and receive/ Of the grace I have promised/ My love is for you/ And I draw you/ Back to the place you belong/ Back to the Cross/ Where you are forgiven/ Back to the Cross/ In my blood washed clean' you will be drawn back to that moment in your own heart, that touchstone of wonder each of us holds dear when remembering the astounding love and Grace of Jesus. If the album ended with even this simple tribute it would qualify as a great record.

Yet with even the next song the worship remains unbroken. On 'How Blessed' we see a Savior who '…wore the scarlet robe/ Who became the name by which we are saved/ In whom we put our hope' and on 'Where Is There Love” we glimpse a love that can only cause us to bow and ask, 'Where is there love/ like the love of Jesus?/ Who of you would die that others might live?/ His love is real/ His love is for all who’ll receive it…'.

Appropriately, this disc ends by declaring 'He is risen/ He is risen indeed/ The sting of death left high on Calvary/ He is risen/ He is risen indeed/ Jesus my savior is risen indeed' (from 'He Is Risen'). Song after song, 'The Cross' delicately, yet powerfully compels us to worship the One who left the throne of Glory to humble Himself on the Cross of Calvary in our place. What more is there to say?

Review by Keith Giles