1 Songs of gladness; songs of praise
To God on high be given,
Songs of triumph let us raise,
For death’s dark chains are riven.
Night and gloom hung dark and dreary
O’er the world that solemn night;
Weeping friends with watching weary,
Sought the tomb at morning light.
2 As the sun through eastern skies
Breaks forth as from a prison,
So our doubts, our darkness flies,
For Christ our Lord is risen.
Angels bright with heav’nly glory
Shining through the narrow room,
Stayed to tell the wondrous story:
"Seek Him not within the tomb."
3 While the birds with cheerful song
Rejoice that spring is breaking
After winter, cold and long,
Our earth to life awaking.
Never more with doubt and sadness,
But with praise and sweet accord.
With deep joy and heartfelt gladness
Let us seek our risen Lord.