Christ the Lord is Risen Today; Alleluia
Christ the Lord is risen today
This hymn embodies the centrality of Christ's resurrection to Christian faith and hope, emphasizing the victory over death and the guarantee of eternal life. Its exuberant tone reflects the joy of redemption and the transformation of human destiny through the risen Christ, fundamental to Lutheran resurrection theology.
History & Background
Charles Wesley wrote this hymn in 1739 as part of his prolific Methodist hymn-writing ministry. It was first published in Hymns and Sacred Poems (1740) and became one of the most enduring Easter hymns in Christian worship.
Charles Wesley composed this “Hymn for Easter Scripture References Day” in eleven stanzas. First sung at the famous Foundry st. 1-Matt. 28:1-10 st. 2-Acts 2:24 Meeting House, the text was published in Hymns and Sacred Poems (1739). The “alleluia” responses, reflecting ancientJewish st. 3-Hosea 13:14 and Christian practice, were added by later editors to fit the 1 Cor. 15:55 tune. Wesley’s stanzas l-2a and 3b-6 are included. st. 4-Phil. 3:10-11 The text contains some of the most familiar Easter themes: st. 5-Phil. 2:10 all creatures rejoice in Christ’s resurrection (st. 1); the work of redemption is complete (st. 2); death is vanquished (st. 3); we have new life in Christ now (st. 4); we praise the victorious Christ (st. 5). The “alleluias,” which remind us of the ancient Easter greeting, do more than interrupt the textual flow: they provide the framework for praising God with each line of text.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 270
- Chalice Hymnal — 216
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 373
- Glory to God — 245
- The Hymnal 1982 — 207
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 128
- Lutheran Service Book — 463
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 198
- Lutheran Worship — 137
- New Century Hymnal — 230
- Psalter Hymnal — 388
- Trinity Hymnal — 277
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 191
- United Methodist Hymnal — 302
- Voices Together — 399
- With One Voice — 675
Liturgical Use
Easter Sunday morning; a great processional hymn.
Bulletin Note
Charles Wesley, 1739. This Wesleyan classic remains Christendom's most exuberant Easter hymn, its stanzas arranged to build crescendo toward the final Alleluia. Wesley's simplicity masks profound theology: resurrection as cosmic vindication.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims Christ's resurrection as the definitive victory that entirely removes the sting of death, anchoring all Christian joy and assurance in grace alone rather than human achievement.
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
Resurrection of Christ Triumphalism and victory Joy and celebration Redemption through Christ