Now the Green Blades Rise from the Buried Grain
Now the green blades rise from the buried grain
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Easter proclamation by linking creation's renewal to Christ's resurrection, emphasizing both the cosmic scope of redemption and personal faith response. The text reflects the sacramental theology of resurrection life working through ordinary means—grain, water, love—consistent with Lutheran sacramentology.
History & Background
Ewart Monks composed this text in 1928 as a modern Easter hymn connecting the natural resurrection of grain with Christ's resurrection. It first appeared in English hymnals in the mid-twentieth century and became widely used in Lutheran and ecumenical worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 230
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 382
- Glory to God — 238
- The Hymnal 1982 — 204
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 148
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 180
- Lutheran Worship — 102
- New Century Hymnal — 238
- United Methodist Hymnal — 311
- Voices Together — 242
Bulletin Note
Written in 1928 by Ewart Monks, this Easter hymn weaves creation's renewal with Christ's resurrection, grounding cosmic redemption in the simple image of grain rising—a hallmark of sacramental Lutheran theology.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the natural cycle of seed-death and spring growth into a sacramental window on the Gospel of resurrection, showing how God works redemption through ordinary means and calling believers to recognize Christ's life-giving power already at work in creation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Psalm 23 Christological transformation: establishment of Christ's sovereign care (1-2) → confession of human waywardness and divine retrieval (3) → victory over death through Christ's passion (4) → sacramental communion and eschatological promise (5-6)
Themes
Resurrection Hope and renewal Sacramental mystery Life from death Faith and resurrection