The Easter Sequence is an ancient chant  which is sung after the epistle and is done once a year on Easter Sunday.  The lyrics tell the story of Salvation from Christ's crucifixion, to His laying in the Tomb, to finally the meeting of the women and the angel at the empty tomb.  

The word "Paschal" means Passover in Hebrew which is Jewish spring festival which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.  In the third stanza, the words speak of "Death" and "Life" contending in a great battle.  Finally, the rest of the song tells us that Jesus is the victor.  We are simply bystanders in this momentous event, but are the beneficiaries of His triumph.

Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems;
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.

"The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus' resurrection;

Bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;
to Galilee he goes before you."

Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!

​Amen. Alleluia.