Sunday, March 31, 2024  

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Today's Hymn
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!”

“Christ the Lord is risen today!” Alleluia!
All creation, join to say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, O heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise. Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now your sting? Alleluia!
Jesus died, our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where your victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven! Alleluia!
Praise to you by both be given, Alleluia!
Every knee to you shall bow, Alleluia!
Risen Christ, triumphant now. Alleluia!

by Charles Wesley
Hymn 245, Glory to God

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Reflection

This is the day that defines our world. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is, as it states in verse 2, God’s work of redeeming love. This text was written by Charles Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement, and Wesley penned more than 6000 hymns. The most repeated word in this hymn is Alleluia. Wesley cannot go more than a phrase without repeating Alleluia. Alleluia is a word of praise, and it is often found in the music of faith. On this Easter day the church will sing Alleluia because God’s work of redemption is complete.

It is not always easy to trust that the love of God calls your name. It is not always easy to trust that the love of God will win and all that has gone wrong will, in God’s promised day, be made right. It is not always easy to trust that death will fail and that God will refuse to let go of you. But that is the promise of Easter. In my experience, I have been able to trust this promise with my whole heart most often when we sing. So, sing loudly today, “Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!” God will no doubt be listening, and I imagine when she hears the song of the church this day, God will smile.

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Prayer
Resurrecting God, it is your love that calls us, claims us, and holds us fast. Let there be no end to the praise offered by your people, indeed by the whole of creation, for your redeeming love. Amen.

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Written by Tom Are Jr., Interim Pastor

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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