1 Awake, my heart, with gladness,
See what today is done!
Now after gloom and sadness
Comes forth the glorious Sun!
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.
2 They in the grave did sink Him,
The Foe held jubilee;
Before he can bethink him,
Lo! Christ again is free,
And "Victory!" He cries,
And waveth toward the skies
His banner, for the field
Is by the Hero held.
3 Upon the grave is standing
The Hero, looking round;
The Foe, no more withstanding,
His weapons on the ground
Throws down, his hellish power
To Christ he must give o'er,
And to the Victor's bands
Must yield his feet and hands.
4 This is a sight that gladdens
And fills my heart with glee;
Now, naughtsoever saddens
My soul, nor takes from me
My trust or fortitude,
Or any precious good
Which by His victory
My Saviour gained for me.
5 Hell and its prince, the Devil,
Now of their power are shorn,
I now am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn;
Grim Death with all its might
Cannot my soul affright;
He is a powerless form,
Howe’er he rage and storm.
6 The world against me rageth,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wageth,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
Misfortune now is play,
No trouble troubles me,
And night is bright as day.
7 I cleave now and forever,
To Christ, a member true;
My Head will leave me never,
Whate’er He passeth through;
He treads the world beneath
His feet, and conquers death
And hell, and breaks sin's thrall
I'm with Him through it all.
8 To glory He ascendeth,
I follow Him fore'er,
For Christ, my Head, defendeth
His member from all care:
No enemy I fear,
Because my Head is near;
My Saviour is my Shield,
By Him all rage is stilled.
9 He brings me to the portal
That opens into bliss,
Where graved in words immortal
This golden scripture is:
"Who there are scorned with me
Here with me crowned shall be;
Who there with me shall die
Shall here be raised as I!"