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319. Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands

Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; trans. by Richard Massie, 1800-1887
Music: Geistliche Gesangbuchlein; arr. and harm. by J.S. Bach
Tune: CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN, Meter: 87.87.78.74

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1.	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; 
	wherefore let us joyful be, 
	and sing to God right thankfully 
	loud songs of Alleluia!  Alleluia! 

2.	It was a strange and dreadful strife 
	when life and death contended; 
	the victory remained with life; 
	the reign of death was ended. 
	Stripped of power, no more it reigns, 
	and empty form alone remains; 
	death's sting is lost forever!  Alleluia! 

3.	So let us keep the festival 
	whereto the Lord invites us; 
	Christ is himself the joy of all, 
	the Sun that warms and lights us. 
	By his grace he doth impart 
	eternal sunshine to the heart; 
	the night of sin is ended! Alleluia! 

4.	Then let us feast this Easter day 
	on the true bread of heaven; 
	the Word of grace hath purged away 
	the old and wicked leaven. 
	Christ alone our souls will feed; 
	he is our meat and drink indeed; 
	faith lives upon no other! Alleluia! 

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