For the Lamb now reigns

This is why we put the alleluia away.  So that on Easter morning we can stand say

Christ has risen

Christ has risen indeed.  Alleluia!

We say it as loud and with as much emotion as a bunch of early rising Lutherans can!  But the best part comes later.  It comes in our liturgy.  After our moments of alleluia silence we can say during our communion liturgy....

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain, 

whose blood set us free to be people of God.

Power and riches and wisdom and strength and 

honor and blessing and glory are his.  

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia.  

Sing with all the people of God, 

and join in the hymn of all creation: 

Blessing and honor and glory and might 

be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen

This is the feast of victory for our God.

For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.  

Alleluia.  Alleluia.

I have been singing this since I was born and for me, on Easter it is an amazing moment.  I can barely get through that last line without tears.  Maybe that sounds corny, but liturgy holds so many of my faith memories.  I sang this with my parents, my grandma, my husband, (we used this liturgy at our wedding), my seminary community, my friends, and now my church family here.  

So on the Easter morning, let us remember he has risen!  Christ has risen indeed, Alleluia!

For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign!  Alleluia!