He Grew The Tree

written by Chuck Lawrence

HE MOLDED AND BUILT A SMALL LONELY HILL
THAT HE KNEW WOULD BE CALLED CALVARY.
THEN HE MADE THE SEED THAT WOULD GROW TO BE
THORNS THAT WOULD MAKE HIS SON BLEED.
THEN HE MADE A GREEN STEM
GAVE IT LEAVES AND THEN GAVE IT SUNSHINE AND RAIN AND
SHELTERED IT WITH MOSS.
HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.


WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES GOD LOOKED DOWN THROUGH TIME
SAW HIM SPAT UPON REJECTED AND MOCKED.
STILL HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.

CHORUS
NOTHING TOOK HIS LIFE WITH LOVE HE GAVE IT.
HE WAS CRUCIFIED ON A TREE THAT HE CREATED.
WITH GREAT LOVE FOR MAN
GOD GAVE WITH HIS PLAN.
HE GREW THE TREE SO THAT WE MIGHT GO FREE.


STILL HE GREW THE TREE HE KNEW WOULD BE
USED TO MAKE THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.


I really love this song, although I am not sure that it qualifies as a hymn.  I had forgot about this song until I found my ipod which had been lost for over a year. 

My mom and Uncle Dan sang this song years ago at church.  I can still remember driving to church with her that morning, I remember her being nervous to be singing in front of everyone.   So, when I hear this song I can't help but think of my mama and Uncle Dan.

This song was originally sung by Barbara Mandrell but there are lots of versions on youtube.