Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
The great Easter proclamation hymn, celebrating the resurrection with accumulated Alleluias. The stanzas move through the resurrection event, its cosmic significance (death defeated, hell vanquished), Christ's ascension and intercession, and the final doxology. The Alleluia refrain transforms each stanza into a shout of Easter joy.
History & Background
Written by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and published in Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739). One of Wesley's greatest Easter hymns, originally titled Hymn for Easter Day. The familiar tune EASTER HYMN appears with it in Lyrica Davidica (1708).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 369
- Gather 4th Edition — 562
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 130
- Lutheran Service Book — 460
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 188
Bulletin Note
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today — Charles Wesley, 1739
Preaching Connection
The resurrection — death defeated and the gates of heaven opened.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (death's consequence) → Gospel (Christ's resurrection victory) → Application (our risen life in Christ) → Doxological response (rejoicing in the Risen Lord)
Themes
Easter Resurrection Alleluia Victory