Happy Easter!

Christ is Risen!
Christ is Risen Indeed!

In order to celebrate the day, let us recall a beautiful hymn written approximately 484 years ago by Martin Luther (here translated by Richard Massie).

Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands

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!

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,
and empty form alone remains;
death's sting is lost forever! Alleluia!

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!

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!

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May each of you have a blessed Eastertide!
Clayton and Rebecca Peak