Wednesday, December 19, 2007

#2—CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY

This afternoon, we will be singing # 2, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," one of the best known and most joyous Easter tunes. You will notice that the tune is called "Easter Hymn."

Charles Wesley composed this hymn. Each stanza recalls an Easter theme: All of creation praises the risen Christ (stanza 1); death has been completely vanquished (st. 2); the redeeming work of Christ is complete (st. 3); we praise Christ, the Lord of heaven and earth (st. 4). The dancing "alleluia" at the end of each line adds a joyful exuberance to our praise.

An interesting additional note about Charles Wesley is that he wrote over 6,000 hymns.

Sources: Psalter Hymnal Handbook; Internet.

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