Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing
Good Christian friends, rejoice and sing
The hymn embodies Lutheran Easter proclamation, celebrating the triumph of Christ's resurrection over death and sin with congregational joy and certainty. It reflects the centrality of Easter to Christian faith while emphasizing the believer's share in Christ's victory through faith.
History & Background
Written by Cyril Alington in 1925 as a modern Easter hymn celebrating Christ's resurrection with jubilant theology. First published in The New Church Hymnal and has become a standard Easter text in Lutheran hymnals since its inclusion in LBW.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 226
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 388
- Glory to God — 233
- The Hymnal 1982 — 205
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 144
- Lutheran Service Book — 475
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 198
- Lutheran Worship — 129
- New Century Hymnal — 248
- Voices Together — 281
Bulletin Note
Composed in 1925 by Cyril Argentine Alington, this hymn pairs the timeless German tune Gelobt sei Gott with a distinctly modern, congregational celebration of Easter's central promise: Christ risen, death defeated, life restored.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms Easter proclamation from legal absolution into joyful participation: the Gospel moves us from fear of judgment into the freedom and gladness of resurrection life shared with Christ.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Resurrection proclamation moving from personal rejoicing (1-2) through cosmic victory (3) to eternal doxology (4)
Themes
Resurrection joy Easter victory Christian hope Praise and thanksgiving