HAIL THEE FESTIVAL DAY!

 A HYMN FOR EASTER SUNDAY

By Venantius Fortunatus, 6^th century

 

[Refrain:]

Hail, thee festival day!

Blest day that art hallowed for ever,

day wherein Christ arose,

breaking the kingdom of death.

 

1 Lo, the fair beauty of earth,

from the death of the winter arising,

every good gift of the year

now with its Saviour returns. [Refrain]

 

2 He who was nailed to the cross

is God and the ruler of all things;

all things created on earth

worship the maker of all. [Refrain]

 

3 Mourning they laid thee to rest,

the author of life and creation;

treading the pathway of death,

life now bestowing on all. [Refrain]

 

4 God of all pity and power,

let thy word be assured to the doubting:

light on the third day returns;

rise, Son of God, from the tomb! [Refrain]