Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Thanks to Thee, O Christ, Victorious

Text: Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1634-1703, translated by George A. T. Rygh, 1860-1942.  Tune:  WERDE MUNTER by Johann Schop, c. 1590-1667.

1.  Thanks to Thee, O Christ, victorious!
     Thanks to Thee, O Lord of Life!
     Death hath now no power o'er  us,
     Thou has conquered in the strife.
     Thanks because Thou didst arise
     And hast opened paradise!
     None can fully sing the glory
     Of the resurrection story.

2.  Thou hast died for my transgression,
     All my sins on Thee were laid;
     Thou hast won for me salvation,
     On the cross my debt was paid.
     From the grave I shall arise
     And shall meet Thee in the skies.
     Death itself is transitory;
     I shall lift my head in glory.

3.  For the joy Thine advent gave me,
     For Thy holy, precious Word;
     For Thy Baptism, which doth save me,
     For Thy blest Communion board;
     For Thy death, the bitter scorn,
     For Thy resurrection morn,
     Lord, I thank Thee and extol Thee,
     And in heav'n I shall behold Thee.