LUTHER'S EASTER HYMN by Martin Luther; Catharine Winkworth

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1882

LUTHER'S EASTER HYMN.

By Martin Luther; Catharine Winkworth

WRITTEN IN 1524; TRANSLATED BY CATHARINE WINKWORTH.

In the bonds of death He lay, Who for our offense was slain, But the Lord is risen to-day, Christ hath brought us life again. Wherefore let us all rejoice, Singing loud, with cheerful voice, Hallelujah!

Of the sons of men was none Who could break the bonds of Death, Sin this mischief dire had done, Innocent was none on earth, Wherefore Death grew strong and bold, Would all men in his prison hold. Hallelujah!

Jesus Christ, God's only Son, Came at last our foe to smite, All our sins away hath done, Done away Death's power and right, Only the form of Death is left, Of his sting he is bereft. Hallelujah!

That was a wondrous war I trow, When Life and Death together fought, But Life hath triumphed o'er his foe, Death is mocked and set at nought; 'Tis even as the Scripture saith, Christ through death has conquered Death. Hallelujah!

The rightful Paschal Lamb is he, On whom alone we all must live, Who to death upon the tree, Himself in wondrous love did give. Faith strikes his blood upon the door, Death sees, and dares not harm us more. Hallelujah!

Let us keep high festival On this most blessed day of days, When God his mercy showed to all, Our Sun is risen with brightest rays, And our dark hearts rejoice to see Sin and night before him flee. Hallelujah!

To the supper of the Lord Gladly will we come to-day, The word of peace is now restored, The old leaven is put away. Christ will be our food alone, Faith no life but his doth own. Hallelujah!

—Lyra Germanica.