He reigns!

One of my favourite Easter songs is In Christ Alone. The first time I truly sang the words was while I was on a missions trip to Nashville. We were at Belmont Church where every member of the congregation worships zealously--young and old. The lyrics were particularly powerful to me that day for some reason, and as we sat in the pews singing the 3rd verse I desperately wanted to stand. Just at that moment every member of the congregation jumped to their feet in worship and celebration and tears welled up in my eyes. May we never lose the joy and wonder of Christ's victory.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!