Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all ye heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Translated in Lyra Davidica, 1708
Stanza 2, John Arnold’s Compleat Psalmodist, 1749
Stanza 3, Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
YOU MIGHT CONFUSE this hymn with Charles Wesley’s “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (April 3). The theme is the same, the structure is similar, and Wesley also had a hand in that hymn. But this hymn is based on a medieval Latin text.
Alleluia is the perfect word for Easter Sunday. It simply means “Praise the Lord.” It is used throughout Scripture (especially in Psalms and Revelation) to glorify God for the mighty acts He has done. And what mightier act is there than this: the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Interestingly, this hymn speaks more about Christ’s death than His new life. Both are vital aspects of God’s redeeming work. Christ endured the cross and rose from the dead. His death and resurrection are inseparable, and hymn singers exult in all of it. During this Easter season, let us praise the God who made it happen. Alleluia!
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
1 Peter 3:18
From the book
