Hymns for a Pilgrim People ‎#198

198. 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 Pharoah'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 splendor,
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, ca. 696-ca. 754
• Translator: John M. Neale, 1818-1866 (alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2007
• Scripture:
  John 11:25
  ;
  Exodus 15
• Topic: Easter; Freedom; Jesus Christ; Liberation; Opening of Worship; Peace; Resurrection; Salvation

Tune Information

• Name: ST. KEVIN
• Composer: Arthur S. Sullivan, 1842-1900
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D
• Key: F Major