An Easter Hymn

Traditional icon of the Resurrection

I wanted to write a hymn for Easter using Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones as a theme around Easter time, but inspirtation didn’t strike until yesterday. I could not decide between two tunes to use, so I decided both were suitable. This hymn basically uses a few different typological themes from the Old Testament. Plus, as a refrain I came up with a versified form of the Paschal Troparion from the Eastern Church, which is:

Christ is risen from the dead trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

Here is the text of my hymn:

GLORIOUS HOPE OF ALL THE AGES

Gustave Doré’s Woodcut of Ezekiel’s Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones

Glorious Hope of all the ages,
Ris’n in triumph from the dead,
Jesus Christ our risen Saviour,
Praise be to Thee without end!
From the dead Christ God is risen,
Trampling down death by His death,
And on those in tombs awaiting
Graciously bestowing life!

Disgraced Eve and fallen Adam
Now are raised unto new life!
Christ the Serpent’s head  hath bruisèd,
And hath opened Paradise!
From the dead Christ God is risen,
Trampling down death by His death,
And on those in tombs awaiting
Graciously bestowing life!

As Israel through Red Sea waters
From slavery’s yolk was made free,
Thou, O Christ, true Paschal Victim,
Freed us from sin’s tyranny!
From the dead Christ God is risen,
Trampling down death by His death,
And on those in tombs awaiting
Graciously bestowing life!

Now fulfilled Ezekiel’s vision:
Dry bones raised to flesh anew!
Christ our God today is risen,
Making all creation new!
From the dead Christ God is risen,
Trampling down death by His death,
And on those in tombs awaiting
Graciously bestowing life!

On Thy Resurrection Day, Lord,
Alleluias now we raise,
For Thou art our great Redeemer,
Worthy of all thanks and praise!
From the dead Christ God is risen,
Trampling down death by His death,
And on those in tombs awaiting
Graciously bestowing life!

Words: Noah Townsend, Copyright 2012.
Tune: “Blaenhafren” or “Weisse Flaggen“