The Hymnal 1982 ‎#186

186. 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;
therefore 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
to which 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 holy 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
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Translator: Richard Massie, 1800-1887 (alt.)
• Meter: 87. 87. 78. 74
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Topic: Easter

Tune Information

• Name: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN
• Adapter and Harmonizer: Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750
• Meter: 87. 87. 78. 74
• Key: d minor or modal
• Source: Geystliche gesangk Buchelyn, 1524 (melody)