Christ The Lord is Risen Today lyrics
Tune Name: EASTER HYMN
Composer: Lyra Davidica (1708)
Meter: 7.7.7.7 with Alleluias
Hymnbook Source: Lyra Davidica (1708)
Verse 1
Christ, the Lord, is risen today,
Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say,
Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high,
Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply,
Alleluia!
Verse 2
Love’s redeeming work is done,
Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won,
Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise,
Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise,
Alleluia!
Verse 3
Lives again our glorious King,
Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Alleluia!
Dying once He now doth save,
Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave?
Alleluia!
Verse 4
Soar we now where Christ hath led,
Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head,
Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise,
Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies,
Alleluia!
Verse 5
Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven,
Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given,
Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now,
Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou,
Alleluia!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Christ The Lord is Risen Today |
| Author / Lyricist | Charles Wesley (1707–1788) |
| Composer / Tune | Lyra Davidica (1708) / traditional Easter hymn tune |
| Date Written / Published | 1739 |
| Historical Context | Written in England during the Methodist revival; celebrates the resurrection of Christ. |
| Theme / Message | Christ’s resurrection; triumph over death and sin. |
| Notable Features | Jubilant alleluia refrain; perfect for Easter worship. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Central Easter hymn in Protestant worship worldwide. |
| Source / Scholarship | Charles Wesley: His Hymns and Life – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley authored the hymn, celebrating the resurrection of Christ with triumphant joy. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian remarks on its widespread use in Easter worship and its joyful theological focus. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton emphasizes the victory over sin and death, reflected in the hymn’s resurrection theme. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlights the hymn’s melodic and lyrical qualities, supporting congregational celebration. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint notes its devotional richness and doctrinal clarity concerning the risen Christ. |
Christ The Lord Is Risen Today - Easter (Charles Wesley)… Samuel Arnold
"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" is a classic Christian hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1739. The hymn's lyrics celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory over death that He achieved through His sacrifice on the cross. The music for the hymn was later composed by Samuel Arnold in 1794.
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