Two Resurrection Hymns

            A few years ago I noticed there were not nearly as many Resurrection songs as Christmas carols in our hymnal, so when I came home from church, I wrote new lyrics to a familiar hymn melody. A few years later, I did the same thing with another tune.

            The first hymn is theological and lofty; the second hymn is interpersonal and friendly. The first feels old and elegant; the second feels like Gospel.

            I hope you enjoy either or both as you revel in the good news of Christ’s resurrection. Feel free to use them in your churches next year around this time. Please keep my name with them.

Resurrection Hymn

© 2004 Roberta Tucker Brosius

 (Tune:  All Creatures of Our God and King)

All children of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Christ Jesus broke forth from the grave;

Salvation to the world he gave.

O praise him, He is risen,

Alleluia, He is risen,

Alleluia!

His only son the Father sent,

To crush the serpent his intent.

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

The Lamb of God for man was slain,

His blood to purge the sinner’s stain.

O praise him, He is risen,

Alleluia, He is risen,

Alleluia!

His sacrifice was once for all,

Redeeming man from Eden’s fall.

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Within the temple veil was torn;

Redemption to the earth was borne.

O praise him, He is risen,

Alleluia, He is risen,

Alleluia!

All children of the Father sing;

Hail Christ, your resurrected king!

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

Praise God who Son and Spirit gave

Praise Christ who triumphed o’er the grave

O praise him, He is risen,

Alleluia, He is risen,

Alleluia!

Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!    

© 2009 Roberta Tucker Brosius

 (tune: Revive Us Again)

When John’s hope was crushed

For he’d seen Jesus die,

Then Mary came running

With this joyful cry:

“Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

Hallelujah! Amen!

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

The Lord lives again!”

Two walked down the road,

Grieving that Christ was dead,

Until Jesus walked with them,

Gave thanks, and broke bread.

“How our hearts burned as he taught us,

Christ must suffer and then

Enter glory! Hallelujah!

The Lord lives again!”

“I will not believe

Without touching his hands,”

Said Thomas; then Jesus

Before him did stand.

“Hallelujah! I am risen!

Touch my scars, doubting friend.

Hallelujah! I am risen!

Your Lord lives again!”

He went back to fish,

Since he’d turned from his Lord.

But when Peter saw Jesus,

He swam for the shore.

“Simon Peter, do you love me?

Feed my sheep, my dear friend.”

“Hallelujah! I’m forgiven!

My Lord lives again!”

With Peter of old,

Mary, Thomas, and John,

We are praising our savior

This glad Easter dawn.

Hallelujah! Christ is risen!

Hallelujah! Amen!

Hallelujah! We’re forgiven!

The Lord lives again!