The Worshipbook ‎#327

327. 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 does 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 has 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
• Title: Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands
• Translator: Richard Massie (1854, alt.)
• Author: Martin Luther (1524)
• Meter: P.M.
• Publication Date: 1972
• Scripture:
  Matthew 28:1-10
• Topic: Christian Year: Easter Day

Tune Information

• Name: CHRIST LAG
• Meter: P.M.
• Key: d minor or modal
• Source: Johann Walther's Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, 1524
• Notes: As in The Methodist Hymnal, 1966