Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! ~ Hymn 248
Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal
28 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he[a] lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead,[b] and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.”
Matthew 28:1-7
If ever there were a liturgical season that could use another hymn, then it is Eastertide! If ever there were a hymn tune worthy of having more lyrics set to a superb tune, then it is Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven. What we see in Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! Is a hymn that helps us to understand that Christ’s resurrection affects the entire creation: “all creation is amazed.” “Earth and heaven nevermore shall be the same.” “See what love can do and dare.” “Joy and peace shall never end.”
Easter is about more than just our personal salvation. As those who have been redeemed, we are called to work for peace and justice for all people. “Jesus is our strong companion.” “God the First and Last is with us Sing Hosanna (God save us) everyone.” Did you see the references to Revelation in the text of this hymn? See if you can find them!
Prayer
Master Musician, we thank You for the great festivals of the Christian Year … Easter and Christmas. We are grateful for all the joyous songs we can sing. We are grateful for the composers and the lyricists. Most of all we give praise and thanks to the One who has inspired those who compose, those who are lyricists, those who are instrumentalists, and those who are singers. We are grateful that all can praise You. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.