The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have invited members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to celebrate and focus on the Easter season.

Three new Easter-specific hymns were released in the latest batch of new hymns. ...

This hymn evokes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but was actually written by 18th-century English preacher Charles Wesley to commemorate the Ascension, when the resurrected Savior ascended to heaven after spending 40 days with His disciples, explains the chapter about this hymn.

The third verse is:

“See, He lifts His hands above! Alleluia!
See, He shows the prints of love! Alleluia!
Hark! His gracious gifts bestow, Alleluia!
Blessings on His Church below. Alleluia!"

Larry A. Hiller, a writer and editor for many years for the Church magazine, was invited to write a new text in 2011 for George J. Elvey’s 1868 tune. It was published in the April 2012 Ensign as “Rise Up, Ye Saints, Rejoice.” Then, in 2024, Hiller revised the text to strengthen its message of rejoicing in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, says the chapter about this hymn.

This hymn’s lyrics include:

“Lo, how the cross stood bare,
How empty lay the tomb,
When Easter, dawning bright and fair,
Dispelled the pall of gloom.
For Jesus vanquished death,
And all will be restored
When ev’ry soul draws living breath
Through Christ, the risen Lord."

The chapter about this hymn explains that it belongs to the tradition of African American spiritual songs and prompts singers to imagine witnessing the Savior’s death and Resurrection.

While the first three verses end with an expression of grief, the fourth verse has a joyful declaration to shout “glory”:

“Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Oh! Sometimes I feel like shouting Glory! Glory! Glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?"

Read the rest of the article at the Church News.

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Holy Week Study Card Set

Prepare your heart for Easter by studying the events of Holy Week. Each card is designed to enhance your study with a beautiful illustration, a brief description of an event from that day, recommended scriptures to read, and a question for you to ponder throughout the day. Set of 8 cards. Each card measures 4" x 5". Available at Deseret Book.

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