Seize the Moment – Day 382
Today’s hymn focus will be “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”
Revelation 1:17b-18 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but
look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”
Written and published in 1739 by Charles Wesley, this hymn was originally entitled ‘Hymn for Easter Day’ and debuted during the first worship service at the Wesleyan Chapel known as the Foundry Meeting House in London, England. It was eleven stanzas long, without the “Alleluias!”, but has been shortened to the four verses we know today and has been sung enthusiastically in Easter services ever since.
His hymns were known to have clothed Christ in flesh and blood, and gave converts a belief they could easily grasp, embracing their personal faith. For the Christian, Christ’s resurrection assures us of God’s tomorrow, anticipating the possibility of the promise of eternity and to live joyfully today, regardless of life’s circumstances.
Sons of men and angels say Allelujia
Raise your joys and triumphs high. Allelujia
Sing ye heavens and earth reply. Allelujia
As we wake up tomorrow morning (Easter Sunday), let you heart proclaim the transforming power of the living Christ. And then carry this hymn of triumph with you!
YOUTUBE:
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!