Welcome, Happy Morning! - #202 - Venantius Fortunatus

"Welcome, Happy Morning!"
by Venantius Fortunatus, c. 530-609
Translated by John Ellerton, 1826-1893

Tune - Sei du mir gegruesset - linked here

1. "Welcome, happy morning!" Age to age shall say;
Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!"
Lo, the Dead is living, God forevermore!
Him, their true Creator, all His works adore.
"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say;
Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!"

2. Maker and Redeemer, Life and Health of all,
Thou from heaven beholding human nature's fall,
Of the Father's Godhead, true and only Son.
Manhood to deliver manhood didst put on.
"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say;
Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!"

3. Thou, of life the Author, death didst undergo,
Tread the path of darkness, saving strength to show.
Come, then, True and Faithful, now fulfil Thy word;
'Tis Thine own third morning--rise, 0 buried Lord!
"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say;
Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!"

4. Loose the souls long prisoned, bound with Satan's chain;
All that now is fallen raise to life again.
Show Thy face in brightness, bid the nations see;
Bring again our daylight; day returns with Thee.
"Welcome, happy morning!" age to age shall say;
Hell today is vanquished, heaven is won today!"

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #202
Text: Acts 10:40
Author: Venantius Fortunatus, c. 590, cento
Translated by: John Ellerton, 1868, alt.
Titled: "Salve, festa dies"
Tune: "Sei du mir gegruesset"
1st Published in: Enchiridion
Town: Luebeck, 1545