"Jesus Christ Is Risen Today" is one of the most iconic and beloved Easter hymns, known for its triumphant melody and repeated "Alleluia." Its history is a fascinating journey that spans several centuries and involves multiple contributors. Here's a breakdown of its history: 1. **The Tune: "EASTER HYMN" (or "LYRA DAVIDICA") - 1708** * The instantly recognizable tune, often called "EASTER HYMN," first appeared in a German hymnal called **"Lyra Davidica, oder Neu übersetztes und eingerichtet Gesang-Buch"** (Lyre of David, or Newly Translated and Arranged Song Book) published in **1708** in Halle, Germany. * The tune was titled "Chorus Novus Anglicanus" (New English Chorus) within that collection. * It was originally set to a German text, but the *Lyra Davidica* also contained an English translation of that text which began "Jesus Christ is Risen to Day." This suggests that the tune and an early English text were conceived together. * The tune's bright, soaring, and majestic quality, perfectly suited for the celebration of the Resurrection, quickly made it popular. Its structure, with the "Alleluia" after each line, was present from the beginning. The composer of the tune remains **anonymous**. 2. **The Original English Text - 1708** * The English text that appeared alongside the tune in the 1708 *Lyra Davidica* began with "Jesus Christ is Risen to Day." * This initial English text was also **anonymous**. It was a direct translation or adaptation of the German hymn "Christ ist erstanden" (Christ is Risen), an even older German Easter hymn (dating back to the 12th century) that itself was based on Latin sources. 3. **Charles Wesley's Revisions and Additions - 1739** * The hymn gained widespread popularity in England largely due to the contributions of **Charles Wesley**, the prolific Methodist hymn writer. * In **1739**, Wesley published a collection called **"Hymns and Sacred Poems."** In this collection, he significantly revised and expanded the existing anonymous text. * Wesley polished the original three stanzas and, most notably, **added the fourth stanza** we commonly sing today, which begins: "Sing we to our God above, / Praise eternal as His love; / Praise Him, all ye heavenly host, / Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!" * Wesley's lyrical genius elevated the hymn, providing it with deeper theological meaning and making it even more singable and impactful for congregational worship. 4. **Standardization and Further Popularization - 1780** * The hymn's tune and text became firmly established in English-speaking hymnody throughout the 18th century. * In **1780**, a version of the tune (often attributed to **Robert Williams**) appeared in his collection "Universal Psalmodist," which helped to standardize the melody we know today. **In summary:** * **1708:** The tune "EASTER HYMN" and an early, anonymous English text ("Jesus Christ is Risen to Day") first appear in the German "Lyra Davidica." * **1739:** Charles Wesley significantly revises the English text, adds the fourth stanza, and publishes it in "Hymns and Sacred Poems," giving it the form we largely recognize today. * **1780 (and onwards):** The hymn's popularity explodes, becoming a staple in hymnals across denominations, particularly for Easter celebrations. "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today" stands as a testament to the enduring power of communal worship, showcasing how a melody and text can evolve over centuries to become a timeless declaration of faith and joy.