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!