I’m getting excited for Easter this year and looking forward to preaching Sunday at The Crossings. While “sermonizing” this morning I spent some time thinking through a list of famous Easter Songs. Here’s a short sampling of what I came up with. If you’ve been following Christ for a while, you’ll recognize a few of these tunes. If you’re still exploring Christ, then check them out and enjoy.
Because He Lives is probably one the most famous classic hymns on the subject of the Easter. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the song out of a realization that no matter how hard life can get at times, there is still hope because of the resurrection of Christ. Next to that is an old vintage hymn by Robert Lowery entitled, Low in the Grave He Lay. While not really one of my favorites, the Easter Song by Keith Green still resounds with a lot of folks today. But just about anything Keith Green did was profound. When I was in High School, Sandi Patty sang Was it a Morning Like This which took off and for a while was being sung by countless soloists across the world every Easter morning. I think my wife even sang it a few times. More than likely, she probably did a better job than Patty did though. I’d say that my all time favorite Easter song is He’s Alive by Don Francisco. If you’ve ever denied Christ, this one’s for you. The focus of the song is from Peter’s standpoint after dealing with his denial of Jesus and then acceptance by the risen Christ. Sometimes I still get choked up a bit toward the end of the tune. More recently, Nichole C Mullen sang My Redeemer Lives which also has a powerful ending. I’m going to show that one on Sunday. A new favorite of mine is In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend. Definitely my favorite rendition of this song was done by the News Boys. Not sure it’s only an Easter song, but some of the closing words are really pertinent. So those are some of the Easter songs that minister to me. Now what about you?
Love Sandi Patty!!! and the rest of your choices are excellent, also…even though I wish you would’ve written this blog a few weeks earlier before we planned Sunday’s services:)
I would have to include- Happy Day, Celebrate Jesus, My Redeemer Lives (Hillsong)….ok there are too many…OK, that’s what’s awesome- singing about Jesus!!!!!!!! He’s alive!
We used to go to Don Francisco’s concerts. He’s Alive is a classic, as are all the others mentioned. So VERY thankful for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Oh, the HOPE it gives.
I love He’s Alive (you listed it) – heard it many years ago and really brought a whole new perspective to my mind.
In addition to some awesome songs you listed, I also like:
I’ve Just Seen Jesus written by Gather, preformed by Sandi Patty/ Larnelle Harris
Happy Day Tim Hughes (Our Worship Band does this one!)
Amazing Love Newsboys
Glad (our church choir sang this when I was a kid – they did a better job than this clip, but it was the best I found quickly)
Blessed Redeemer Casting Crowns
I Will Rise Chris Tomlin
Via Dolorosa Sandi Patty (Very passionate)
Sweetly Broken Jeremy Riddle
The Champion Carman (our youth group in 1991 did a skit to this one!)
This Blood Is For You Carman (Graphic!)
Rise Again DALLAS HOLM
There are so many amazing songs that help us to give thanks to the One who gave His life to Save Ours!
*links didn’t come through… will post links on FB*
I have so many faves, I don’t have time to write them all. I am just excited we are celebrating Easter. My favorite holiday, next to Thanksgiving of course!