Come Ye Faithful Raise the Strain
Come ye faithful, raise the strain
This hymn embodies Lutheran Easter proclamation, celebrating Christ's victory over death and the liberation of believers through His resurrection, grounding Christian hope in historical redemptive fact. It reflects Luther's emphasis on the objective triumph of Christ and the renewal of all creation through the Paschal mystery.
History & Background
Originally composed as a Greek Easter hymn (Ὦδὴ Πασχαλική) by John of Damascus in the 8th century. John Mason Neale translated it into English in 1862, and it was published in his Hymnal Noted (1865), becoming a cornerstone of Anglican and Lutheran Easter hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 215
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 368
- Glory to God — 234
- The Hymnal 1982 — 199
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 132
- Lutheran Service Book — 487
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 193
- Lutheran Worship — 141
- New Century Hymnal — 230
- Trinity Hymnal — 199
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 204
- United Methodist Hymnal — 315
- Voices Together — 270
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by John of Damascus (8th century), this Eastern hymn was translated for Lutheran worship in 1881. Its ancient tune GAUDEAMUS PARITER ('Let us rejoice together') echoes the church's unified, joyful witness to Christ's triumph.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Gospel's answer to Law: where sin and death accused us, Christ's resurrection declares us liberated—a proclamation that transforms despair into Easter confidence.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: bondage under sin's Pharaoh to liberation through Christ's resurrection; winter of sin melted by Easter victory
Themes
Resurrection Redemption through Christ Liberation from sin Paschal victory Liturgical celebration