That Eastertide

(one verse introduction)

That Eastertide with joy was bright,
The sun shone out with fairer light,
When, to their longing eyes restored,
The glad apostles saw the Christ.

Christ bade them see His hands, His side,
Where yet the glorious wounds abide;
The tokens true which made it plain
That Christ indeed was risen again.

O Christ, the fount of gentleness,
Do You Yourself our hearts possess
That we may give You all our days
The tribute of our grateful praise.

O God of all, with us abide
In this our joyful Eastertide;
From every weapon death can wield
Your own redeemed forever shield.

All praise be Yours, O risen Christ,
From death to endless life restored;
All praise to God Creator be
And Holy Ghost eternally.

Words: Latin, 5th C
Music: Puer Nobis Nascitur, adapted by Michael Praetorius (17thC)
Sequence: Dall Forsythe, Church of St. John the Evangelist