Now Christ is Risen
Now Christ is risen from the dead
This hymn emphasizes the objective historical fact of Christ's bodily resurrection as the foundation of Christian faith and the assurance of eternal life. It reflects Lutheran emphasis on the resurrection as the decisive redemptive event that conquers death and validates Christ's atoning work.
History & Background
This hymn text originates from German Easter hymnody and became established in Lutheran worship through 18th-century German hymnals. Multiple English translations and adaptations have been created for Lutheran hymnals from TLH onward.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 134
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 193
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach in 1750, son of Johann Sebastian Bach. This hymn anchors Easter faith in the objective historical fact of Christ's bodily resurrection, a cornerstone of Lutheran theology and the defeat of death itself.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the resurrection as the Gospel's definitive answer to the Law's judgment of death, showing how Christ's bodily rising validates His atoning work and grounds Christian assurance of eternal life.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From cosmic darkness and human sin to the incarnate Christ as divine light; from longing for salvation to joyful recognition of God's redemptive presence in weakness
Themes
Christ's resurrection Victory over death Christian hope Redemption through Christ