And that he appeared

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time ... Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

(1 Corinthians 15:3-7)

Matters of importance, in accordance with the Scriptures, attested to by many (when Paul wrote, many witnesses were still living). And from Paul's summary (not to mention the gospel accounts) we get the strong impression that these appearances were over time, and in various places. It is this work of Jesus, between Resurrection and Ascension, with which "Easter" is concerned. Surprisingly few hymns deal with these days - the focus jumps from Resurrection surprise and joy, to Ascension glory and awe. What about the intervening days? That looks like fertile ground for new hymn-writers.

And doubtless, some informed readers will now send me plenty of examples of what I am not finding! (The excellent Emmaus Road anthem, "Slow Down," by local composer Ed Childs, seems to fit in here. Thanks, Ed!)

In keeping then with the mainstream either/or of the season, I continue with some Ascension hymns for our considertion:

A hymn of glory let us sing!
New hymns throughout the world shall ring:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Christ, by a road before untrod,
ascends unto the throne of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(Yes, the tune here is lasst uns erfreuen.
I provide the remainder of the hymn  without the Alleluia tropes.)

   The holy apostolic band
   upon the Mount of Olives stand,
   and, with his faithful followers see
   their Lord ascend in majesty.
O Lord, our homeward pathway bend
that our unwearied hearts ascend,
where, seated on your Father's throne,
you reign as King of kings alone.
   O risen Christ, ascended Lord,
   all praise to you let earth accord:
  You are, while endless ages run,
   with Father and with Spirit one.

   The Venerable Bede (8th cent.), tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978

(c) Augsburg Publishing House

The "Alleluias" have been added to Bede's rather more straight-forward text. I like it, not only because it allows us to use a beloved tune, but also becasue it distinctly makes the seasonal connections. "Alleluia" is the expression of the church at Easter in particlar.

So, as we wait, and walk, and learn from Jesus, with Alleluias let us

Sing on!