As the Victor Stood

The long night held the trembling world,
its grip misunderstood;
but dawn broke open like a sword
as the Victor stood.

The dragon hissed his final threat,
sure he never would be subdued;
his boasting choked upon the air
as the Victor stood.

The grave that swallowed saints for ages
braced itself as best it could;
its stone door shivered, cracked, and fell
as the Victor stood.

The powers that ruled with iron chains
lost the will to do their good;
their crowns rolled silent in the dust
as the Victor stood.

The weak found strength they’d never known,
fear fled and hope renewed;
the shattered sighed with holy joy
as the Victor stood.

Now dragons stir and shadows claw,
still bitter in their mood;
but every scheme will break in time
as the Victor stood.

So lift your voice, O ransomed ones—
the battle turned for good;
all heaven thunders out His praise
as the Victor stood.