Martin Luther’s Easter Hymn, and “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands” (#148)

When we think of Martin Luther the hymn writer, we of course think of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (“Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott”), by far the best known of the 36 hymns he wrote.  But it was actually “Christ lag in Todesbanden” that was his favorite.  This powerful Easter Resurrection chorale is translated into English as “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands.”  While it is not well-known outside of Lutheran circles today (and not even as well-known there as it ought to be!) our Easter worship would be greatly enriched were we to add this to our hymn repertoire.  It is present in many hymnals, and deserves a fresh, revitalized usage today, when so many of our songs lack the textual depth and theology of classic compositions like this. And since every Lord’s Day is historically and liturgically a celebration of the resurrection, this chorale works well not only on Easter Sunday, but in the weeks following, and even throughout the year!

Continue Reading