Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church ‎#110

110. Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands

1 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!

2 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 he reigns;
An empty form alone remains;
His sting is lost fore ever!
Alleluia!

3 So let us keep the festival
Whereto the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the joy of all,
The Sun that warms and lights us;
Now His grace He doth impart
Eternal sunshine to the heart;
The night of sin is ended!
Alleluia!

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

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands
• Author: Martin Luther (1524)
• Translator: Richard Massie (1854. a)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Church Year: Easter
• Source: Based on the Sequence Victimae Paschali

Tune Information

• Name: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
• Composer: Johann Walther (1524)
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 7 8, 7 4
• Key: d minor or modal