The Sun That Warms and Lights Us

Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands,
For our offenses given;
But now at God’s right hand he stands,
And brings us life from heaven.
Wherefore let us joyful be,
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud songs of Alleluia! Alleluia!

It was a strange and dreadful strife
When life and death contended;
The victory remained with life;
The reign of death was ended.
Stripped of power, no more it reigns,
An empty form alone remains
Death’s sting is lost forever! Alleluia!

So let us keep the festival
Where to our God invites us;
Christ is himself the joy of all,
The sun that warms and lights us.
By his grace he doth impart
Eternal sunshine to the heart;
The night of death is ended! Alleluia!

Then let us feast this Easter day
On the true Bread of heaven;
The Word of grace hath purged away
The old, forgotten leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed,
Who is our meat and drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other! Alleluia!

Martin Luther, 1524; tr. Richard Massie, 1854; alt.
Tune: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN (8.7.8.7.7.8.7. with Alleluia)
Martin Luther, 1524; harm. J. S. Bach, 1724




Seven (Liturgical) Years Ago: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Seven (Calendar) Years Ago: George Matheson

Six (Liturgical) Years Ago: The strife is o'er, the battle done

Six (Calendar) Years Ago: George Job Elvey

Five (Calendar) Years Ago: George Matheson

Four (Liturgical) Years Ago: Jesus Christ is risen today

Three (Liturgical) Years Ago: Lift your voice rejoicing, Mary

Another Birthday Today: Emma Ashford