Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#98b

98b. 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 forever!
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;
By 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!

Text Information

• First Line: Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands
• Translator: Richard Massie, 1800 - 87
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: The Church Year: Easter
• Source: Based on the Sequence Victimae Paschali

Tune Information

• Name: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 7 8, 7 4.
• Key: d minor or modal
• Source: Geistliches Gesangbuchlein, Wittenberg 1524