How does Herbert want to celebrate Christ’s victory over death?

Answer

How does Herbert want to celebrate Christ’s victory over death?

Christ’s victory over death means Jesus Christ’s resurrection, when He rose from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. It signifies Christ’s victory over sin and death. In “Easter Wings” (1633), George Herbert (1593-1633) wants to celebrate Christ’s victory over death. He wants to sing like larks on Easter Sunday. He also wants to feel Christ’s victory in himself and rise from his own sin and suffering. 

Sin and Suffering: At the beginning of the poem, Herbert talks about how man was created rich and happy by God. But because of sin, man lost everything and became “most poore”—spiritually weak and low. Herbert also mentions his own sin, suffering, sadness, and shame. So, he wants to rise from his sin and suffering and become close to God. He compares himself to “larks.” Larks are birds that fly high and sing beautifully. Herbert wants to fly above his sin and suffering like the larks. As he prays:

“O let me rise

As larks, harmoniously”

Celebrating Christ’s Victory: Herbert also wants to sing and celebrate Christ’s victory over death, as larks sing beautifully. As he says:

“And sing this day thy victories:”

The word “victories” means Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death. He wants to sing to Christ and praise Him for winning over death. Moreover, Herbert also wants to feel Christ’s victory in himself. He believes that his own suffering will help him fly higher, closer to God.

In short, Herbert wants to celebrate Christ’s victory over death by singing, praising, and rising from his own weakness. He believes that through his devotion to God, he can become closer to God.