The empty tomb is filled with light, empty graveclothes, and befuddled or perplexed visitors… :o)
Christ is risen indeed!
“Christ Jesus Lay In Death’s Strong Bands” (by Martin Luther):
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.
Therefore let us joyful be
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud sons 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.
Holy Scripture plainly saith
That death is swallowed up by death,
Its sting is lost forever.
Alleluia!Here the true Paschal Lamb we see,
Whom God so freely gave us;
He died on the accursed tree
So strong his love to save us.
See, his blood now marks our door;
Faith points to it; death passes over,
And Satan cannot harm us.
Alleluia!So let us keep the festival
To which the Lord invites us;
Christ is himself the joy of all,
The sun that warms and lights us.
Now his grace to us imparts
Eternal sunshine to our hearts;
The night of sin is ended.
Alleluia!Then let us feast this Easter Day
On Christ, the bread of heaven;
The Word of grace has purged away
The old and evil leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
He is our meat and drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other!
Alleluia!
Only seven more days.
He is risen indeed.