Number: 319
Title: Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands
Composer: J. S. Bach, 1724
Author: Martin Luther, 1524;Richard Massie, 1854
Theme: Christ's Gracious Life: Resurrection and Exaltation;Christian Year: Ascension;Christian Year: Easter;Holy Communion;Jesus Christ;Jesus Christ: Atonement

Lyrics:
1.	Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands, 
	for our offenses given; 
	but now at God's right hand he stands, 
	and brings us life from heaven; 
	wherefore 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. 
	Stripped of power, no more it reigns, 
	an empty form alone remains; 
	death's sting is lost forever! Alleluia!

3.	So let us keep the festival 
	whereto the Lord invites us; 
	Christ is himself the joy of all, 
	the Sun that warms and lights us. 
	By his grace he doth impart 
	eternal sunshine to the heart; 
	the night of sin is ended! Alleluia!

4.	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; 
	he is our meat and drink indeed; 
	faith lives upon no other! Alleluia!