Welcome, Happy Morning!

“Welcome, Happy Morning!” is a triumphant hymn by John Ellerton celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its theme is drawn from Matthew 28:6, where the angel announces to the women at the tomb that Christ is risen. Ellerton’s hymn expresses the joy and victory of Easter morning, inviting the church to lift its voice in praise for the triumph of life over death and hope over despair. The hymn captures the exhilaration of the resurrection, portraying it as the defining moment in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

Ellerton emphasizes both the personal and communal impact of Christ’s resurrection. Believers are encouraged to see in this event the promise of their own salvation, the assurance of victory over sin, and the hope of eternal life. The hymn is filled with jubilant imagery: the breaking of dawn, the light shining in darkness, and the rejoicing of creation itself. Ellerton’s words guide worshippers to join in the exultant chorus of heaven and earth, welcoming the day that changed history forever.

The hymn also highlights the ongoing power of the resurrection in the life of the Christian. It reminds the singer that the risen Christ is present with His people, empowering them to live faithfully, courageously, and joyfully. By celebrating the empty tomb, the hymn encourages believers to cast off fear, embrace hope, and proclaim the good news to all around them.

Over the years, “Welcome, Happy Morning!” has become a beloved Easter hymn, sung in services that mark the resurrection with praise and thanksgiving. Its words continue to inspire joy, strengthen faith, and call the church to remember and rejoice in the central truth of the gospel: that Jesus Christ has risen, and through Him, life and light triumph eternally.