Universalis

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 18

Here we see St Peter - I never realised that the key to the Kingdom of Heaven was so big!



Forsaken once, and thrice denied,
The risen Lord gave pardon free,
Stood once again at Peter’s side,
And asked him, “Lov’st thou Me?”

How many times with faithless word
Have we denied His holy Name,
How oft forsaken our dear Lord,
And shrunk when trial came?

Saint Peter, when the cock crew clear,
Went out, and wept his broken faith;
Strong as a rock through strife and fear,
He served his Lord till death.

How oft his cowardice of heart
We have without his love sincere,
The sin without the sorrow’s smart,
The shame without the tear!

O oft forsaken, oft denied,
Forgive our shame, wash out our sin;
Look on us from Thy Father’s side
And let that sweet look win.

Hear when we call Thee from the deep,
Still walk beside us on the shore,
Give hands to work, and eyes to weep,
And hearts to love Thee more.


It is useful to know that there is a branch of Timpson's in Ripon which provides an excellent key copying service!

Monday 29 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 17

The great east window dates from about 1300, although the glass, depicting Christ commissioning his disciples, is Victorian.



Christ is the King! O friends, rejoice;
brothers and sisters, with one voice
let the world know he is your choice.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

O magnify the Lord, and raise
anthems of joy and holy praise
for Christ's brave saints of ancient days.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

They with a faith forever new
followed the King, and round him drew
thousands of faithful servants true.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

O Christian women, Christian men,
all the world over, seek again
the way disciples followed then.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Christ through all ages is the same:
place the same hope in his great name,
with the same faith his word proclaim.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let love's unconquerable might
your scattered companies unite
in service to the Lord of light.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

So shall God's will on earth be done,
new lamps be lit, new tasks begun,
and the whole church at last be one.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!


Sunday 28 April 2013

5th Sunday of Easter

Today we hear the new commandment of Jesus to love one another.



Now the green blade rises from the buried grain,
Wheat that in the dark earth many years has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.

In the grave they laid Him, Love Whom we had slain,
Thinking that He’d never wake to life again,
Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.

Up He sprang at Easter, like the risen grain,
He that for three days in the grave had lain;
Up from the dead my risen Lord is seen:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.

When our hearts are saddened, grieving or in pain,
By Your touch You call us back to life again;
Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been:
Love is come again, like wheat that springs up green.




Happy Sunday!

Saturday 27 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 16

The high altar is the focal point of the Cathedral's spiritual life. Here the Eucharist is celebrated on Sundays and other major feast days.



Behind it is a beautiful altarpiece depicting the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, surrounded by Roman and Anglo-Saxon saints and royalty. It was designed by Sir Ninian Comper in 1922 as a memorial to those who died in the First World War.

Alleluia! sing to Jesus!
His the sceptre, his the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph,
his the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion
thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus out of every nation
hath redeemed us by his blood.

Alleluia! not as orphans
are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us,
faith believes, nor questions how;
Though the cloud from sight received him
when the forty days were o'er
shall our hearts forget his promise,
'I am with you evermore'?

Alleluia! bread of heaven,
here on earth our food and stay!
Alleluia! here the sinful
flee to thee from day to day.
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
earth's Redeemer, plead for me.
Where the songs of all the sinless
sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal,
thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary,
earth thy footstool,
heaven thy throne.
Thou within the veil hast entered,
robed in flesh, our great High Priest.
Thou on earth both Priest and Victim
in the Eucharistic Feast.


Friday 26 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 15

We are standing by the relatively modest Bishop's throne (or cathedra in Latin), from which we get the English word 'cathedral'.



There has been an organ in the Cathedral since 1399, but the present one was built by Lewis in 1878 and rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison in 1912. The unusual mechanical wooden hand dates from 1695 and can be operated by the organist to beat time for the choir.

Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King!
The heavens are not too high,
his praise may thither fly,
the earth is not too low,
his praises there may grow.
Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King!

Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King!
The church with psalms must shout,
no door can keep them out;
but, above all, the heart
must bear the longest part.
Let all the world in every corner sing,
my God and King!


Thursday 25 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 14

We are now standing in the choir. The choir is where daily services of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer take place in an unbroken round of prayer going back to the church's foundation.



The choir stalls were made by a team of local carvers between 1489 and 1494. Each stall in the back row has a lifting seat, with an ornately carved ledge on the underside called a misericord,designed for clergy to lean against when standing during long services.

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy,
be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.


Wednesday 24 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 13

Today the large niche houses a beautiful 14th century alabaster carving of the Resurrection, part of a collection found under the Dean's choir stall in the 19th century, where they had laid hidden since the 16th century.



To this day, as they have done since the 7th century, visitors and pilgrims come from near and far to offer prayers in Wilfrid's crypt.

The strife is o'er, the battle done;
Now is the Victor's triumph won;
O let the song of praise begun.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Death's mightiest powers have done their worst,
And Jesus hath His foes dispersed;
Let shouts of praise and joy outburst.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

On the third morn He rose again
Glorious in majesty to reign;
Oh, let us swell the joyful strain!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee.
From death's dread sting Thy servants free
That we may live and sing to Thee.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!


Tuesday 23 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 12

The ancient Saxon crypt is the only part of Wilfrid's original church to have survived intact since 672 - making it one of England's oldest church buildings still in use. Wilfrid may have intended it to represent Christ's tomb; the large niche probably contained relics of saints that Wilfrid brought back from Rome.



Low in the grave He lay—
Jesus my Saviour!
Waiting the coming day—
Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


Vainly they watch His bed—
Jesus, my Saviour!
Vainly they seal the dead—
Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


Death cannot keep his prey—
Jesus, my Saviour!
He tore the bars away—
Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


Monday 22 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 11

The pulpit is where sermons are preached every Sunday. It was made by Henry Wilson in 1913 and shows both Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau influences.



Around the sides are bronze images of four important Anglo-Saxon saints, with their shields finished in enamel. They are: St Chad, St Cuthbert, St Hilda, and St Etheldreda.

Ye choirs of new Jerusalem,
your sweetest notes employ,
the Paschal victory to hymn
in strains of holy joy.

For Judah's Lion bursts his chains,
crushing the serpent's head;
and cries aloud through death's domains
to wake the imprisoned dead.

Devouring depths of hell their prey
at his command restore;
his ransomed hosts pursue their way
where Jesus goes before.

Triumphant in his glory now
to him all power is given;
to him in one communion bow
all saints in earth and heaven.

While we, his soldiers, praise our King,
his mercy we implore,
within his palace bright to bring
and keep us evermore.

All glory to the Father be,
all glory to the Son,
all glory, Holy Ghost, to thee,
while endless ages run. Alleluia! Amen.

Sunday 21 April 2013

4th Sunday of Easter

Today we show our devotion to Christ the Good Shepherd.



Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth 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.

’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has 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.

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.

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.

“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.




Happy Sunday!

Saturday 20 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 10

Easter is the traditional time for Baptisms,and here we see the Baptisty in Ripon Cathedral.



The hexagonal font dates from early Tudor times. It is still used regularly for baptisms, the rite of initiation whereby a person becomes a member of the Christian family. The bowl is filed with water, which is then blessed and poured over the head of the person being baptised.

With Christ we share a mystic grave,
with Christ we buried lie;
but 'tis not in the darksome cave
by mournful Calvary.

The pure and bright baptismal flood
entombs our nature's stain;
new creatures from the cleansing wave
with Christ we rise again.

Thrice blest, if through this world of strife,
and lust and selfish care,
our resurrection mantle white
and undefiled we wear.

Thrice blest, if through the gate of death
glorious at last and free
we to our joyful rising pass,
O risen Lord, with thee.

And now to thy thrice holy Name,
the God whom we adore,
to Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
be glory evermore. Amen.


Friday 19 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 9

Here we see the lovely Easter Garden inside Ripon Cathedral.



Chorus: Oh, the angels rolled the stone away,
‘Twas on that Easter Sunday morning
That the angels rolled the stone away.


Sister Mary she came running just about the break of day.
She was bringing news from heaven that the angels rolled the stone away.

Chorus.

Said the angel He is not here; He is risen as he said,
Why seek ye the living way down here among the dead.

Chorus.

Jesus said, “Touch Me not Mary, but go on ahead of me.
Go and tell all my disciples to meet me in Galilee.”

Chorus.

Thursday 18 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 8

Flower arrangements are an important feature in our churches during the Easter Season, and the Flower Guild at Ripon Cathedral had been working hard producing many beautiful arrangements.



We thank thee, O our Father,
for all thy loving care;
we thank thee that thou madest
the world so bright and fair.
We thank thee for the sunshine,
and for the pleasant showers;
and O, our God, we thank thee,
we thank thee for the flowers.

Out in the sunny meadows
and in the woodlands cool,
upon the breezy hillside,
and by each reedy pool,
and in the quiet pasture,
and by the broad highway;
all pure and fresh and stainless,
they spring up every day.

And in the dusty city,
where busy crowds pass by,
and where the tall dark houses
stand up and hide the sky;
and where through lanes and alleys
no pleasant breezes blow,
e'en there, O God, our Father,
thou mak'st the flowers grow.

And whether in the city
or in the fields they dwell;
always the same sweet message
the fair, sweet flowers tell.
For they are all so wondrous,
they show thy power abroad;
and they are all so beauteous,
they tell thy love, O God.


Wednesday 17 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 7

The stone pulpitum screen, which divides the choir from the nave and house the organ loft, dates from around 1480. Originally a stone pulpit (now in the north transept) stood on it, from where the Bible was read to the congregation in the nave.



The only surviving medieval carving, just above the central archway, depicts the Holy Trinity. The present statues were installed in 1947 and painted in 1958.

We have a gospel to proclaim
Good news for men in all the earth;
The gospel of a Saviour’s name:
We sing His glory, tell His worth.

Tell of His birth at Bethlehem,
Not in a royal house or hall
But in a stable dark and dim:
The Word made flesh, a light for all.

Tell of His death at Calvary,
Hated by those He came to save;
In lonely suffering on the cross
For all He loved His life He gave.

Tell of that glorious Easter morn:
Empty the tomb, for He was free.
He broke the power of death and hell
That we might share His victory.

Tell of His reign at God’s right hand,
By all creation glorified;
He sends His Spirit on His Church
To live for Him, the Lamb who died.

Now we rejoice to name Him King:
Jesus is Lord of all the earth.
This gospel message we proclaim:
We sing His glory, tell His worth.


Tuesday 16 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 6

Among the Cathedral's most distinctive features are the mismatched pillars and arches of the central crossing. Rebuilding after the tower's collapse in 1450 was delayed by the War of the Roses but recommenced in the 1480's in the new Perpendicular style.



The Cathedral contains three copper statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Two of these are in the crossing. Many visitors light a candle and say a prayer here.

During the Easter Season the paschal candle stands at the centre of the crossing and burns continually for 50 days - a powerful symbol of the light of the Risen Lord.

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, may hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.

Monday 15 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 5

Here we have a closer view of the nave altar and choir stalls, looking towards the screen and the organ. The paschal candle is burning brightly.



A Sung Eucharist is celebrated at this altar every Sunday at 10.30 am.

At the Lamb's high feast we sing
praise to our victorious King,
who hath washed us in the tide
flowing from his pierced side;
praise we him, whose love divine
gives his sacred Blood for wine,
gives his Body for the feast,
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.

Where the Paschal blood is poured,
death's dark angel sheathes his sword;
Israel's hosts triumphant go
through the wave that drowns the foe.
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, Paschal bread;
with sincerity and love
eat we manna from above.

Mighty victim from on high,
hell's fierce powers beneath thee lie;
thou hast conquered in the fight,
thou hast brought us life and light:
now no more can death appall,
now no more the grave entrall;
thou hast opened paradise,
and in thee thy saints shall rise.

Easter triumph, Easter joy,
sin alone can this destroy;
from sin's power do thou set free
souls newborn, O Lord, in thee.
Hymns of glory and of praise,
Risen Lord, to thee we raise;
Holy Father, praise to thee,
with the Spirit, ever be.


Sunday 14 April 2013

3rd Sunday of Easter

Today we hear the story of the Risen Lord at the lakeside with Peter and the other disciples.



Love's redeeming work is done,
fought the fight, the battle won.
Lo, our Sun's eclipse is o'er!
Lo, he sets in blood no more!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal!
Christ has burst the gates of hell;
death in vain forbids him rise;
Christ has opened paradise.

Lives again our victorious King;
where, O death, is now thy sting?
Dying once, he all doth save;
where thy victory, O grave?

Soar we now where Christ has led,
following out exalted Head;
made like him, like him we rise,
ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven!
Praise to thee by both be given:
thee we greet triumphant now;
hail, the Resurrection thou!




Happy Sunday!

Saturday 13 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 4

The nave is the main body of the church where services take place on Sundays and other important occasions. It dates from the church built in the 12th century, though it was rebuilt in the early 16th century with added side aisles.



The Cathedral is a lving building which is constantly evolving. The nave altar and choir stalls were installed in 1989.

Friday 12 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 3

After the central tower collapsed in 1450, much of the nave was rebuilt in the Perpendicular (later Gothic) style, when the side-isles were also added. But work stopped in the 1540's during the upheavals of the Protestant Reformation. To this day there are unfinished pillars and mismatched arches under the central tower.



In 1604 the church was re-founded with a Dean and Chapter by King James I. The Chapter was dissolved again under Oliver Cromwell (1649-60), but then reinstated once more in 1660 when the monarchy was restored. The Book of Common Prayer came into use in 1662.

In 1836 Ripon Minster became a Cathedral with the creation of the first new diocese in England since the Reformation.

Thursday 11 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 2

The present church contains several architectural styles.



The transepts (the 'arms' of a cross-shaped church) date from the late 1100's, and show a mixture of rounded Norman arches and later pointed Gothic arches. The west front (1220's) is a splendid example of the Early English Gothic style.

Wednesday 10 April 2013

Ripon Cathedral - 1

Last Saturday I visited Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire.



Ripon Cathedral was founded by St Wilfrid who brought craftsmen from Europe to build a new stone church on the site. It was dedicated to St Peter in 672. Of this original building, only the Saxon crypt survives.

The city of Ripon is located in North Yorkshire on the River Ure. Ripon is a beautiful market town that was founded over 1300 years ago, and is famous as an old Cathedral City where monasteries have stood since the 7th Century.

The old city of Ripon is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and also boasts many historical buildings and museums, including Ripon Cathedral, the Wakeman’s House, Studley Royal, Fountains Abbey and Ripon Spa Gardens where a Victorian bandstand is set.

A market is held every Thursday on the Ripon market square next to its 300 year old Obelisk, where the Hornblower will sound his horn at 9 o’clock every night.

Ripon is wonderfully located in the heart of the countryside, so there’s always plenty to do. Whether it’s a leisurely walk along the canal or through the Dales, a day at the museums or a night out on the tiles, Ripon has everything you could ever want right on its doorstep.

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 9



Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.

Jesus is Lord of all the earth
He is the King of creation.

Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.


Spread the good news o'er all the earth
Jesus has died and has risen.

Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.


We have been crucified with Christ
Now we shall live forever.

Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.


God has proclaimed the just reward
Life for all men, alleluia!

Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.


Come let us praise the living God
Joyfully sing to our Saviour.

Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name.


Monday 8 April 2013

The Annunciation of Our Lord

Today we celebrate the Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary.



The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
"All hail," said he, "thou lowly maiden Mary,
most highly favoured lady," Gloria!

"For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honor thee,
thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
most highly favoured lady," Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said,
"my soul shall laud and magnify his holy Name."
Most highly favoured lady, Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say--
"Most highly favoured lady," Gloria!



Happy Feast!

Sunday 7 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 8


O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of Heaven, the glorious King,
Over death today rose triumphing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

An angel clad in white they see,
Who sat, and spake unto the three,
“Your Lord doth go to Galilee.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

That night th’apostles met in fear;
Amidst them came their Lord most dear,
And said, “My peace be on all here.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

“My piercèd side, O Thomas, see;
My hands, My feet, I show to thee;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

How blessed are they who have not seen,
And yet whose faith has constant been;
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

On this most holy day of days
Our hearts and voices, Lord, we raise
To Thee, in jubilee and praise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!




Happy Sunday!

Saturday 6 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 7

Go in peace, alleluia, alleluia.

Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.




Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!


Friday 5 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 6


Good Christian men, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!


Thursday 4 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 5


The whole bright world rejoices now,
The birds sing out on every bough;
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Then shout beneath the racing skies
To him who rose that we may rise:
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia!


Let us rejoice! All shall be well,
Friends severed now, in heaven shall dwell:
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
The end of all our ways is love;
Then rise with him to things above:
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia!


Now let all living things rejoice,
Let young and old lift heart and voice:
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
He rose to cheer us on our ways,
He lives to bless us all our days:
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Alleluia!



Wednesday 3 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 4


Christ the Lord is risen again!
Christ hath broken every chain!
Hark! angelic voices cry,
singing evermore on high,
Alleluia!

He who gave for us his life,
who for us endured the strife,
is our Paschal Lamb today;
we too sing for joy, and say:
Alleluia!

He who bore all pain and loss
comfortless upon the cross
lives in glory now on high,
pleads for us, and hears our cry;
Alleluia!

He who slumbered in the grave
is exalted now to save;
through the universe it rings
that the Lamb is King of kings:
Alleluia!

Now he bids us tell abroad
how the lost may be restored,
how the penitent forgiven,
how we too may enter heaven.
Alleluia!

Thou, our Paschal Lamb indeed,
Christ, thy ransomed people feed;
take our sins and guilt away,
that we all may sing for aye
Alleluia!


Tuesday 2 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 3


Alleluia, alleluia!
Hearts to heaven and voices raise:
sing to God a hymn of gladness,
sing to God a hymn of praise.
He, who on the cross a victim,
for the world's salvation bled,
Jesus Christ, the King of glory,
now is risen from the dead.

Now the iron bars are broken,
Christ from death to life is born,
glorious life, and life immortal,
on this holy Easter morn.
Christ has triumphed, and we conquer
by his mighty enterprise:
we with him to life eternal
by his resurrection rise.

Christ is risen, Christ, the first fruits
of the holy harvest field,
which will all its full abundance
at his second coming yield:
then the golden ears of harvest
will their heads before him wave,
ripened by his glorious sunshine
from the furrows of the grave.

Christ is risen, we are risen!
Shed upon us heavenly grace,
rain and dew and gleams of glory
from the brightness of thy face;
that we, with our hearts in heaven,
here on earth may fruitful be,
and by angel hands be gathered,
and be ever, Lord, with thee.

Alleluia, alleluia!
Glory be to God on high;
Alleluia! to the Saviour
who has gained the victory;
Alleluia! to the Spirit,
fount of love and sanctity:
Alleluia, alleluia!
to the Triune Majesty.

Monday 1 April 2013

Easter Alleluias - 2


Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The strife is o'er, the battle done,
the victory of life is won;
the song of triumph has begun.
Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The powers of death have done their worst,
but Christ their legions hath dispersed:
let shout of holy joy outburst.
Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
The three sad days are quickly sped,
he rises glorious from the dead:
all glory to our risen Head!
Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
He closed the yawning gates of hell,
the bars from heaven's high portals fell;
let hymns of praise his triumphs tell!
Alleluia!

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Lord! by the stripes which wounded thee,
from death's dread sting thy servants free,
that we may live and sing to thee.
Alleluia!