Past the cross with all its shame

Past the cross with all its shame,
All its grief and gloom;
Past the solitude of death
In the silent tomb:
Lo, the Victor from the strife,
Giver of Immortal life.

Stands He there on Olivet,
With an outstretched hand,
Calling His last blessing down,
On His faithful band,
Ere He mounts the azure height
Past the range of mortal sight.

Bow, ye heavens, in reverence low;
Clouds, a pathway clear;
For the Christ, who came to earth,
Mounts the glowing sphere;
Stand, ye heavenly gates, aside,
For He enters to abide.

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Angels look with wondering gaze,
As their Lord draws nigher;
Why these wounded hands and feet?
And that stained attire?
Hail! the God-man from the strife,
Wins for man immortal life.

All alone, the faithful gaze
Towards the silent skies;
For the Christ hath passed beyond
Love's enquiring eyes;
But our flesh is knit to His
Where the ascended God-man is.