GS 2010 Article 125 – Hymn: Christ the Lord is Risen Today

1.          Material

  • 1.1        Letters from Ancaster (8.3.J.36), Attercliffe (8.3.J.25), Kerwood (8.3.J.43), Neerlandia (8.3.J.23), and Willoughby Heights (8.3.J.24).
  • 1.2       SCBP Report, Section Four, 10.3.II.2 (8.2.j).

2.          Observations

  • 2.1        Some of the churches object to the use of incomplete sentences in this hymn.
  • 2.2        Some of the churches objected to the statement in stanza 2, line 3 “Once He died, our souls to save,” suggesting that this is contrary to our confession that Christ saves us body and soul.
  • 2.3        There were also some objections to the use of the expression from I Corinthians 15:55, as if the hymn confuses what we have already received in the resurrection of Christ and that which remains to be given, i.e. the resurrection of the body.
  • 2.4        One church criticized the melody for “excessive syncopation” (Guideline 11).
  • 2.5        One church suggested that the hymn does not meet Guideline 7 (that the music of the church should be free from artificiality, sentimentality and individualism).

3.          Considerations

  • 3.1       The meaning of the incomplete sentences is clear.
  • 3.2        In referring to Paul’s words in I Corinthians 15:55, the hymn clearly points to the resurrection of the body.
  • 3.3        We sing these words in anticipation of Christ’s return. Further, we note that we sing these words in the resurrection hymn, currently #26, Christ has risen, Hallelujah!, in stanza 1, line 6.
  • 3.4        The melody seems entirely appropriate for the expression of the church’s joy in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
  • 3.5        No evidence was offered to support the claim that the hymn does not meet Guideline 7.

4.          Recommendation

That Synod decide to approve the inclusion of the Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today in the expanded hymn section of the Book of Praise as recommended by the SCBP.

ADOPTED