Now all the vault of heav’n resounds
in praise of love that still abounds:
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear!
Repeat their song of glory here:
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Eternal is the gift he brings,
therefore our heart with rapture sings:
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Now still he comes to give us life
and by his presence stills all strife.
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Oh, fill us, Lord, with dauntless love;
set heart and will on things above
that we conquer through your triumph;
grant grace sufficient for life’s day
that by our lives we truly say:
“Christ has triumphed! He is living!”
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Adoring praises now we bring
and with the heav’nly blessed sing:
“Christ has triumphed! Alleluia!”
Be to the Father, and our Lord,
to Spirit blest, most holy God,
all the glory, never ending!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

I have to say this has been my favorite Easter hymn for quite some time, but, this year it hit with a depth of resonance that can only be a gift from above.

The truth is, as we have drawn closer to this day in the church year, I've had quite a bit of uneasiness. This has always been my favorite high festival in the church year, a favorite Nate and I shared from before we were married.  I loved that he enjoyed belting out those lyrics just as much as me (even if occasionally off key). :)

Another truth is-- I miss him--a lot--every day. So, I thought this year would cause me a lot of sadness, deep sadness. Don't get me wrong I have had moments here and there, but mostly it has been quite the contrary. 

Christ has triumphed. Nate has triumphed- no more sickness, no more trials.

His gift is eternal, and this gift is life. Nate is living eternally with Christ even now.

"Adoring praises now we bring and with the heav’nly blessed sing: “Christ has triumphed! Alleluia!”" Though he isn't standing next to me anymore, we still sing the same joyous words and eat of the same in the Lord's Supper. 

And so I pray, "grant grace sufficient for life’s day, that by our lives we truly say: “Christ has triumphed! He is living!” Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

God is good and He gives grace upon grace. 

I continue to thank Him for dear friends, family and Pastors who continually and faithfully pour out these truths to me.

"Be to the Father, and our Lord, to Spirit blest, most holy God, all the glory, never ending! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!"