215. Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

1 Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought his Israel
into joy from sadness:
loosed from Pharaoh's bitter yoke
Jacob's sons and daughters;
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.

2 'Tis the spring of souls today:
Christ hath burst his prison,
and from three days' sleep in death
as a sun hath risen.
All the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from his light, to whom we give
laud and praise undying.

3 Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendour,
with the royal feast of feasts,
comes its joy to render;
comes to glad Jerusalem,
who with true affection
welcomes in unwearied strains
Jesus' resurrection.

4 Neither might the gates of death,
nor the tomb's dark portal,
nor the watchers, nor the seal
hold thee as a mortal;
but today amidst the twelve
thou didst stand, bestowing
that thy peace which evermore
passeth human knowing.

5 Alleluia now we cry
to our King immortal,
who triumphant burst the bars
of the tomb's dark portal;
alleluia, with the Son
God the Father praising;
alleluia, yet again
to the Spirit raising.

Text Information
First Line: Come, ye faithful, raise the strain
Title: Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
Author: John of Damascus (675?-749?)
Translator: John Mason Neale (1818-1866) (alt.)
Meter: 76 76D
Language: English
Publication Date: 1998
Scripture: ; ; ;
Topic: Easter (season); Easter Vigil
Notes: Alt tune: ST. KEVIN 582
Tune Information
Name: AVE VIRGO VIRGINUM (GAUDEAMUS PARITER)
Composer: Johann Horn (?-1547)
Meter: 76 76D
Source: Gesangbuch, 1544



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