The First Day of the Week
The first day of the week
This hymn emphasizes the centrality of the Resurrection to Christian worship and the weekly commemoration of Christ's victory over death through Sunday observance. It reflects Lutheran understanding of the Lord's Day as the proper Christian Sabbath, distinct from the Jewish Sabbath, celebrating redemptive rest in Christ rather than Mosaic law.
History & Background
Written by John Ellerton in 1871 for a collection of modern hymns, this text celebrates the significance of Sunday as the Lord's Day and the day of resurrection. It appeared in LBW in 1978 as one of Ellerton's most enduring contributions to English hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 298
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 246
- Lutheran Worship — 366
Bulletin Note
John Ellerton (1826–1893), English hymnologist and Anglican clergyman, composed this hymn in 1871 to celebrate the theological significance of Sunday as the Christian Sabbath, rooted in Christ's Resurrection rather than Mosaic law.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the historical Gospel of resurrection into doxological response, showing how the proclamation of Christ's victory reshapes the Christian's entire understanding of time, worship, and eternal hope.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Commandment Small Catechism — Ten Commandments
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From personal evening rest in God's providence to cosmic affirmation of God's eternal kingdom, moving from individual conscience comfort to eschatological confidence
Themes
Resurrection The Lord's Day Christian worship Eternal life Light and triumph