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Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands
1. Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands
For our offenses given;
But now at God's right hand Christ stands
And brings us life from heaven;
Therefore let us joyful be
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud songs of alleluia! Alleluia!
2. It was a strange and dreadful strife
When life and death contended;
The victory remained with life;
The reign of death was ended.
Holy Scripture plainly saith
That death is swallowed up by death;
Its sting is lost forever! Alleluia!
3. Then let us feast this Easter Day
On the true bread of heaven;
The Word of grace hath purged away
The old and wicked leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
Christ is our meat and drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other! Alleluia!
WORDS: Martin Luther, 1524
MUSIC: Trans. Richard Massie, 1854; alt.Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, 1524 Adapt. And Harm. Johann Sebastian Bach, c. 1707
Scripture: Isaiah 25:8 I Corinthians 15:26-28
Theme: Easter