Paul Gerhardt’s Easter hymn fits perfectly as the first words sung by Christians gathered for an Easter sunrise service. The reality of the empty tomb on Easter banishes sadness and fills us with gladness. Though the foe thought he had won the victory when Jesus lay dead and buried, in fact, the Savior has routed his enemy. Jesus’ complete victory over all enemies—sin, death, and devil—is comfort and joy for all those who trust in Him. Jesus is the Mighty Warrior who has given His victory to us. Even in death, we know that we have eternal life in the Crucified and Risen One who will raise us on the Last Day. Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/467.
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #467, “Awake, My Heart, with Gladness.”
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.
Lutheran Service Book 467
1 Awake, my heart, with gladness,
See what today is done;
Now, after gloom and sadness,
Comes forth the glorious sun.
My Savior there was laid
Where our bed must be made
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.
2 The foe in triumph shouted
When Christ lay in the tomb;
But lo, he now is routed,
His boast is turned to gloom.
For Christ again is free;
In glorious victory
He who is strong to save
Has triumphed o’er the grave.
3 This is a sight that gladdens–
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me hath won.
4 Now hell, its prince, the devil,
Of all their pow’r are shorn;
Now I am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn.
Grim death with all his might
Cannot my soul affright;
It is a pow’rless form,
Howe’er it rave and storm.
5 The world against me rages,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wages,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.
Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.
6 Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate’er He passes through.
He rends death’s iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell’s dark thrall;
I follow Him through all.
7 He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
“Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified.”
Text Information
First Line: Awake, my heart, with gladness
Title: Awake, My Heart, with Gladness
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76
Translator: John Kelly, 1833-90 (alt. )
Meter: 76 76 66 66
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Scripture: Colossians 2:15; Romans 8:35-39; Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:4
Tune Information
Name: AUF, AUF, MEIN HERZ
Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662
Meter: 76 76 66 66
Key: D Major
Source: Lutheran Service Book, 2006 (Setting)
Copyright: Setting © 2006, Concordia Publishing House
Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/467.
