Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Living
Christ is risen, Christ is living
Christ Is Risen, Christ Is Living is a hymn text by Henry H. Hooper (1870) in 8.7.8.7.8.7 meter. Found in gtg 251, hs98 833, lsb 479. Sung to CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN.
This hymn articulates the Lutheran understanding of the resurrection as a victory over death and the grounds of Christian hope and justification. It emphasizes the apostolic kerygma found in 1 Corinthians 15, connecting Christ's resurrection to the promise of believers' resurrection.
History & Background
This hymn was written by Henry H. Hooper, an English hymn writer, and first published in the 19th century. It has been included in Lutheran hymnals, particularly LSB, as an Easter proclamation emphasizing the historical reality and ongoing significance of Christ's resurrection.
Hymnal Appearances
- Glory to God — 251
- Hymnal Supplement 98 — 833
- Lutheran Service Book — 479
Bach Cantatas
- BWV 6: Stay with us for evening is coming (1725)
- BWV 66: Rejoice, you hearts (1724)
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry H. Hooper in 1870, this hymn sets the Easter proclamation to the tune *Christ ist erstanden*, a melody rooted in the medieval German resurrection tradition, making ancient faith speak in modern voice.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the kerygma of 1 Corinthians 15, turning the Law's accusation of sin and death into the Gospel's proclamation that Christ's living presence has already won the victory we cannot win ourselves.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (death's chains) → Gospel (resurrection victory) → Exhortation (new life in Christ) → Doxology (cosmic praise)
In the Church Year
Suggested in the three-year series
- Easter 3 (2×)
- Easter 5 (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 New life in Christ Salvation Apostolic faith