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Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia

Christ has arisen, alleluia

Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia is a hymn text by Bernard of Cluni (1050) in 8.7.8.7.8.7 meter. Translated by Jaroslav J. Vajda. Found in CW21 466, CWS 719, elw 369, hs98 828.

This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of the resurrection as central to Christian salvation and the defeat of sin and death through Christ's power. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on Christ's triumph and the certainty of redemption that flows from the Easter proclamation.

History & Background

This text is Vajda's 1977 English translation of the ancient Latin hymn Victimae Paschali laudes, traditionally attributed to Bernard of Cluni from the 11th century. The translation captures the jubilant Easter proclamation of the medieval original while making it accessible to modern English-speaking congregations.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 466
  • Christian Worship: Supplement — 719
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 369
  • Hymnal Supplement 98 — 828
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 136
  • Lutheran Service Book — 466
  • Lift Up Your Hearts — 197
  • Lutheran Worship — 136
  • Voices Together — 279
  • With One Voice — 678

Translation

Jaroslav J. Vajda

Bulletin Note

Attributed to Bernard of Cluni (11th century), this Easter hymn's soaring tune carries a Latin melody that has echoed through churches for nearly a thousand years, making it one of Christendom's most enduring testimonies to resurrection.

Preaching Connection

This hymn's movement from the finality of death to the proclamation of Christ's triumph embodies the Law-Gospel arc: it names our desperate condition, then overwhelms it entirely with the certainty of redemption.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Easter Day (2×)
  • Ascension (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Easter Sunrise (2×)
  • Easter 5 (1×)
  • Easter Day (1×)
  • St. Mary Magdalene (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Resurrection of Christ Victory over death Easter joy Alleluia proclamation Christian hope

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