Hymns With A Message: CHRIST AROSE

Sunday, March 31, 2013

CHRIST AROSE

"He is Risen!, He is Risen Indeed!" Greetings to you on this most important day of remembrance in the Christian faith - Resurrection Sunday. It is a day of joy and celebration and one of the great hymns that describes the events of this day is the week's choice. Robert Lowry (1826-1899), the composer, was born in Philadelphia and seventeen years later became a Baptist. Soon afterward he entered the University of Lewisburg (now Bucknell) with the intention of becoming a pastor. After graduation, he took a church in West Chester. Over the next 45 years, he pastored five churches in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. From 1869 on, he pastored while teaching at his alma mater and then serving as its chancellor. Music and a knowledge of hymnology were his favorite studies, but always as an avocation. Although Lowry wrote a number hymns and tunes and published many songbooks, his main interest throughout life was preaching God's Word. During spring of 1874, while having his devotions one evening, Robert Lowry was impressed with the events associated with Christ's resurrection, especially with these words recorded in Luke 24:6-8. "He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words." Soon Robert Lowry found himself seated at the little pump organ in the parlor of his home, and, in a very spontaneous fashion, there came forth the music and the words, giving expression to the thoughts that had been uppermost in his mind. The hymn was first published, in 1875. And for over a century since then Christians have joyfully sung this great hymn each Easter as part of their worship and praise for God's great gift. Sing along with it this week as we remember and celebrate Christ's conquering of death ... for each of us.

1. Low in the grave He lay,

Jesus my Savior,

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!

2. Vainly they watch His bed,

Jesus my Savior;