He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

He is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed! 

Happy Easter my friends.  

 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead,  Matthew 28:5-7a 

The hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today was written around 1739 by Charles Wesley, a famous hymn-writer.  All these years later, it is one of the most popular Easter hymns in the English language.  I'm honored to be playing this hymn today, Easter Sunday in my church.  

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!

The copy of the hymn below came from an old hymnal in my collection dated 1888.  I'm offering you this image that I've digitally created, free to you today as well as the other images included in this post.  

 

 Here's the lyrics below to another hymn I'll be playing today.  I find comfort in the lyrics of this particular hymn.  I always play it on Easter Sunday.  It's an exuberant hymn and I like to select it as the first hymn the congregation sings, so they are reminded that our Savior is ALIVE.

He Lives

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
and just the time I need Him, He's always near.

He Lives! He Lives!, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me,  I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,  I never will despair;
I know that He is leading, Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing, Will come at last.

He Lives! He Lives!, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs, To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, So good and kind.

He Lives! He Lives!, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.

I am still recovering from bronchitis, but will be playing in church today.  Easter dinner at my house has been cancelled, but I'm thankful that the family members that were coming here have places to go and will still be with family.  I pray that you and your family have a blessed Easter.