Sunday, April 19, 2009

My favorite Easter hymn


Recently, Issues etc. had a program on my favorite Easter hymn. It's a simple hymn that narrates the Easter story. The style fits within the tradition of the church but also the people of Tanzania. Each line of the hymn is played through with commentary on the program and at the end the entire song is played. Here are the lyrics:

Christ Has Risen, Alleluia 

Refrain:
Let us sing praise to him with endless joy.
Death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.
Our sin forgiving, alleluia!
Jesus is living, alleluia!

Verse 1
Christ has arisen, alleluia.
Rejoice and praise him, alleluia.
For our redeemer burst from the tomb,
even from death, dispelling its gloom.

Verse 2
For three long days the grave did its worst,
until its strength by God was dispersed.
He who gives live did death undergo,
and in its conquest his might did show.

Verse 3
The angel said to them, “Do not fear.
You look for Jesus who is not here.
See for yourselves the tomb is all bare.
Only the grave cloths are lying there.”

Verse 4
“Go spread the news: he’s not in the grave.
He has arisen this world to save.
Jesus’ redeeming labors are done.
Even the battle with sin is won.”

Verse 5
Christ has arisen to set us free.
Alleluia, to him praises be.
Jesus is living! Let us all sing;
he reigns triumphant, heavenly king. 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How did you post this at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday when you were not home? Love Mom

P.S. It is a really nice hymn!

Rev. Jim Roemke said...

We sang this at the Easter Divine Service!!! The only one you missed all week!! Sorry. :(
I love this one too, it sticks in head for days everytime I hear it.