Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
Charles Wesley's exuberant Easter morning anthem of resurrection victory.
Download PDFCharles Wesley's exuberant Easter morning anthem of resurrection victory. Written by Charles Wesley (1739), set to the tune "Easter Hymn" by Lyra Davidica (anon.).
Suggested pairing scripture
Matthew 28:6
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."
Read Matthew 28:6 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing on Easter morning and throughout Eastertide as a triumphant proclamation of the resurrection.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Stanza 2
Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia! Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Stanza 3
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia! Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Stanza 4
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia! Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia! Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
History & Background
Written by Charles Wesley in 1739, less than a year after his evangelical conversion, for the first service in the Wesleyan Foundery Chapel in London. The 'Alleluia' refrains were added by an editor to fit the anonymous tune from the 1708 collection 'Lyra Davidica.'
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Matthew 28:6
"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Charles Wesley write the 'Alleluias'?
No — Wesley wrote eleven four-line verses without refrain. The 'Alleluia' interjections were added later to make the words fit the older tune from Lyra Davidica (1708).
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue