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Alleluia—I

Alleluia, alleluia

The simple repetition of 'Alleluia' embodies the Lutheran affirmation of joy in Christ's resurrection and the believer's participation in redemptive reality. It represents the eschatological hope and present thanksgiving that characterize evangelical Lutheran piety.

History & Background

This is a traditional liturgical acclamation from ancient Christian worship, used as a responsorial element in services. It appears in LSB as a congregational alleluia response for festive occasions.

Christopher Wordsworth believed it was “the first Scripture References duty of a hymn to teach sound doctrine, and thus to save st. 2 = 1 Cor. 15:3-4 souls.” Consequently, many of Wordsworth’s texts, including st. 3 = 1 Cor. 15:20-23 this one, are virtually short sermons in verse form. “Alleluia! Alleluia!” is one of two Easter hymns by Wordsworth in his Holy Year (1862). The text was originally in five stanzas; the original second stanza was not included. The text proclaims the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. The “alleluias” that begin stanzas 1, 2, and 4 and run throughout stanza 4 lift this teaching hymn to a high level of praise. The entire text is influenced by Paul’s resurrection discourse in 1 Corinthians 15:1-28.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Lutheran Service Book — 951

Liturgical Use

Easter; anytime, because every Sunday is a “little Easter.” Stanza 4 is a fine doxology, thus the hymn is most useful at the close of services throughout the Easter season.

Bulletin Note

This ancient acclamation appears across Christian traditions. Its very simplicity—the unadorned 'Alleluia'—makes it a perfect vehicle for the Easter proclamation that requires no argument, only jubilant assent.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies pure Gospel proclamation—the unconditional joy of redemption that frees us from the tyranny of self-justification and invites us into participatory praise of Christ's victory.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From joyful summons to praise → Christ's redemptive sacrifice → Resurrection as cosmic victory → Eternal reign and heavenly hope

Themes

Praise Resurrection joy Liturgical acclamation Easter proclamation

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