Common Praise (1998) ‎#215

215. Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

1 Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought his Israel
into joy from sadness:
loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke
Jacob's sons and daughters;
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.

2 'Tis the spring of souls today:
Christ hath burst his prison,
and from three days' sleep in death
as a sun hath risen.
All the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from his light, to whom we give
laud and praise undying.

3 Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendour,
with the royal feast of feasts,
comes its joy to render;
comes to glad Jerusalem,
who with true affection
welcomes in unwearied strains
Jesus' resurrection.

4 Neither might the gates of death,
nor the tomb's dark portal,
nor the watchers, nor the seal
hold thee as a mortal;
but today amidst the twelve
thou didst stand, bestowing
that thy peace which evermore
passeth human knowing.

5 Alleluia now we cry
to our King immortal,
who triumphant burst the bars
of the tomb's dark portal;
alleluia, with the Son
God the Father praising;
alleluia, yet again
to the Spirit raising.

Text Information

• First Line: Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
• Title: Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
• Author: John of Damascus (675?-749?)
• Translator: John Mason Neale (1818-1866) (alt.)
• Meter: 76 76D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1998
• Scripture:
  Exodus 12:1-14
  ;
  Psalm 114
  ;
  John 20:19-31
  ;
  Revelation 19:1-10
• Topic: Easter (season); Easter Vigil
• Notes: Alt tune: ST. KEVIN 582

Tune Information

• Name: AVE VIRGO VIRGINUM (GAUDEAMUS PARITER)
• Composer: Johann Horn (?-1547)
• Meter: 76 76D
• Source: Gesangbuch, 1544