DESCRIPTION:
This hymn is so associated with the sinking of the Titantic that it may be hard to recall that it really is about the story of Jacob, found in the book of Genesis. After fleeing from his brother Esau's anger, Jacob was forced to sleep in a rocky place with a stone for his pillow. As he slept, he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven wih angels going up and down the ladder. The Lord God stood on top of the ladder and spoke to Jacob of the promise of Abraham and the land given to his descendents. When Jacob awoke he knew that God had been in this place and surely it was the gateway to Heaven. The ladder for us all is found in the redemptive work of Jesus, Son of God, on the cross at Calvary. He is our stairway to Heaven. We can truly be near to Him.
Images of miners who descend and ascend daily formed a picture of that ladder to me. May this also be a tribute to them.

Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God , to thee, nearer to thee!