God Reigns

When the Easter season arrives, the choir loft shifts from the somber tones of Lent to pure, unrestrained joy. "God Reigns" is a brilliant Gospel Acclamation by Lucien Deiss that captures this exact shift. Written for the Easter cycle, it serves as a triumphant fanfare before the reading of the Gospel, announcing the victory of the resurrection to the entire congregation.

The verses draw directly from the core message of Easter morning. We sing of how Christ's life overcomes death and how the rejected rock has become the cornerstone. The arrangement gives the choir a chance to proclaim these truths with strength, leading into a bright, cascading "Alleluia" in the refrain. It is a piece that demands energy and conviction from every voice part.

Singing this acclamation feels like a true celebration of the risen Lord. The final line of the refrain, "Christ all praise to you!", anchors the whole piece in worship. It is a wonderful choice for Easter Sunday and the weeks that follow, lifting the hearts of the faithful just before the priest or deacon proclaims the Word.