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 it reigns,
and empty form alone remains;
death's 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!
| 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) |
| Author: | Martin Luther (1524) |
| Meter: | 87.87.78.74 |
| Topic: | Holy Communion; Jesus Christ; Christ's Gracious Life | Resurrection and Exaltation; Christian Year | Easter; Christian Year | Ascension; Jesus Christ | Atonement |
| Language: | English |
| Tune information | |
|---|---|
| Tune name: | CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN |
| Arranger and Harmonizer: | J. S. Bach (1724) |
| Meter: | 87.87.78.74 |
| Key: | a minor |
| Source: | Geistliche Gesangbüchlein, 1524 |
| Media | |
|---|---|
| MIDI file: | |