Christ is Arisen

Vainly we make for Thee a grave apart,
Each in the lonely garden of his heart: —
Thou, who the Life and Love Eternal art : —
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!

Where have they laid our Lord? we ask in fear;
Nor know the Voice that speaks in accents clear:
"Why weepest thou? Behold Me! I am here!"
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!

While we with tears bedew thine empty tomb,
Thy Face is shining through the garden's gloom: —
Lo! the birds singing, and the flowers in bloom!
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!

Is it our love that makes our hearts so blind?
With spice and balm thy form we may not bind;
Thou art alive for us and all mankind!
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!

And gently Thou reprovest — "Touch me not!
Nor hold the feet hack with thy clinging thought,
That rest not till a heavenlier work be wrought!"
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!

Dear Master, in Thy footsteps let us go,
Till with Thy Presence all our lives shall glow,
And souls through us Thy resurrection know!
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!

Earth feels the dawn of Thy new day arrive:
The dead around us in their graves revive:
In Thee, O Christ! shall all be made alive!
Alleluia! Christ is arisen!