It’s a subtle refrain, the repeating of alleluias, you would think as this is a song we now sing in Eastertide as the response to the assurance of pardon in the traditional service, that the song itself is an ancient hymn. A hymn surely translated from Latin. However, as this refrain plays again in my head and I sing along with the lyrics of Easter proclamation that Jesus lives and we so too, I am surprised to learn it in fact dates only to the 1970’s from its author Donald Fishel. Though Fishel does note it came to him as he met with is house church, a tradition that does have roots in our ancient early church as Christians. While the lyrics and music themselves are contemporary, least in the church music sense, it does directly quote Paul himself in stanza three as it says:
We have been crucified with Christ. Now we shall live forever. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord. Alleluia, Alleluia! Give praise to his name.
May we join our voices in this simple yet effective song that speaks to the joy of Easter and the promises assured, sing the hymn with me.
Prayer
Lord of life, as we wake to the glorious light and love that Easter has assured us again as we celebrate this season of Eastertide, may we sing the songs of resurrection hope not only in worship but also in our everyday. So, we give thanks to the risen Lord, Alleluia! Amen.
