For me, this hymn is an essential part of Easter! It was very strange not to sing it yesterday, as we celebrated Jesus' resurrection. Lots of Christians in the UK took part in Sing Resurrection at 10.00 am on Easter morning, and sang this hymn and Thine be the glory on their doorsteps or in their gardens, but I didn't manage to fit that in as I prepared to lead an online service.
The hymn we know today is based on a Latin text called Surrexit Christus hodie. The oldest Latin text appeared in the 14th century in a manuscript from Munich in Germany (John Julian, A Dictionary of Hymnology). The first English version was published in 1708 in Lyra Davidica, set to the tune we know today (Easter Hymn). The words we know today were published in 1749. There are two versions of a fourth verse, a doxology, which was added in the 19th century - one version is anonymous, the other was written by Charles Wesley.
Like many older hymns, there are probably numerous variations of the words in modern hymn books. It appears as follows in Ancient and Modern: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship:
Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia,
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia,
who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia,
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia.
Hymns of praise then let us sing Alleluia,
unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia,
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia,
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia.
But the pains that he endured Alleluia,
our salvation have procured; Alleluia,
now above the sky he's King, Alleluia,
where the angels ever sing Alleluia.
The doxology is not usually included in Anglican hymn books, but according to hymnary.org the Charles Wesley version is as follows:-
Sing we to our God above Alleluia,
praise eternal as his love; Alleluia,
praise him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia,
Father, Son, and Holy ghost. Alleluia.
You can watch a Songs of Praise recording of this hymn here.
Thanks for posting this YouTube video up as there is a brass band :)
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