Happy Easter!

One of my first thoughts this morning was of the hymn "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today".  I remember singing this hymn on, what seems to have been, every Easter Sunday at the original First Christian Church in Salina.  Everyone dressed in their new Easter clothes would rise as the organist began the introduction and the procession of the choir in their maroon robes, the elders and deacons in their suits, and the minister in his black robe and white stole reverently walked down the aisle to the choir loft, front pews on either side of the aisle and to the altar.  Easter lilies were at the front of the altar surrounding the cross that had been errected for this special season.  It was glorious and grand and left an impression on me that has lasted all of these years.

As I was searching online for the lyrics earlier this morning, I could hear hubby picking out a tune on his guitar.  Not knowing of my search or the music running through my head, he was strumming "Christ The Lord Has Risen Today."  Wonderful!

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Lyrics: Charles Wesley, 1739. Music: Lyra Davidica, 1708.

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

You can watch and listen to a version by the Morman Tabernacle Choir here.