10 Christian Easter Songs

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Easter is right around the corner and as you meditate upon the significance of this joyous occassion, take a look at my top 10 favorite Easter songs.

Featured Easter Song: I’ve Just Seen Jesus
This is a song that was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither specifically for Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty. The first time you hear it you will get chills. The next time you hear it you will get chills and it will continue that way each time you hear these two sing this song. It is as if Larnelle and Sandi are some of the disciples that were with Jesus when He walked the earth. They tell the story of how they knew He was dead. Yet as we read in the Bible, Mary Magdalene saw the risen Saviour and when she went to tell the others, they did not believe (Mark 16:9-11 ). Mary was so excited to see the Master that she ran to tell the others. It was not until Jesus appeared to the others that they believed He had risen from the dead. I know when I see Jesus in Heaven; I too will be so excited that I will probably not be able to speak. I will be overjoyed to see my Risen Saviour! My favorite lyric in this song is at the very end: “All that I’d done before won’t matter anymore, I’ve just seen Jesus and I’ll never be the same again; I’ve just seen Jesus!” 

Because He Lives (Bill & Gloria Gaither)

This is very popular song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither has been an Easter favorite for many years. This is just one of the over 600 songs that the Gaithers have written. I love how the gospel is presented in the very first verse and them how they compare it to the joy of holding a new born baby and the delight to know we are assured that this “child can face uncertain days because He lives”. This is a great song to sing as a final song in a church service or to add to your worship set.

Lyrics:

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!

Christ Arose (Robert Lowry)

Christ Arose has been a great hymn of faith for more than 100 years. When sung as intended the verses are sung very somberly and the refrain comes alive as the declaration of the resurrection is made with a heavy staccato and music that has built to a crescendo. Take a look at the video with a couple verses in it below:

Christ the Lord is Risen Today (Written by Charles Wesley & Lyra Davidica)

This wonderful Easter hymn was written in 1739 by Charles Wesley. I can say with great conviction that I cannot recall an Easter service in which this song was not sung or played as an instrumental. It is a joyous tribute to Jesus the Victor!

Lyrics:

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Easter Song (Annie Herring)

This is a contemporary Easter song that I heard and performed many times as an instrumental before I even knew there were words to it. It is most lovely played on hand bells; but I also love to listen to it performed a cappella with words by the group GLAD.

Happy Day (Tim Hughes)

You must learn this song and add it to your worship set for Easter! It is a lovely, easy tune with great lyrics to follow.  Take a look:

Lyrics:

The greatest day in history, Death is beaten
You have rescued me
Sing it out Jesus is alive
The empty cross, The empty grave
Life eternal You have won the day
Shout it out Jesus is alive
He’s alive

Chorus:
Oh happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh happy day, happy day
I’ll never be the same
Forever I am changed

When I stand, in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am Yours Jesus You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive
He’s alive

Bridge:
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh what a glorious day
What a glorious name

I Know My Redeemer Lives (Nicole C. Mullen)

This is absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time. It is a moving testimony of how creation proclaims the glory of the risen Lord. This would be a good song to sing as a special music piece for an Easter service, or you might want to put together a video of nature scenes to display in church. This has not been a traditional Easter song, however the lyrics and music just illuminate the glory of the resurrection. I call it a great Christian Easter song. Take a look at the video below:

I Will Rise (Chris Tomlin)

This song reminds me of our home church in Ohio because a young man there with a wonderful tenor voice sang it for Easter one year. I was so touched at the emotion of the song. It is a moving reminder of how, because of Jesus, we will also rise to new life one day. We will worship God and Jesus in the beauty of their holiness. Take a look at the lyrics, straight from the Scriptures:

Lyrics:

There’s a peace I’ve come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There’s an anchor for my soul
I can say “It is well”

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There’s a day that’s drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
“Worthy is the Lamb”
[x2]

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles’ wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

My Redeemer Lives (Reuben Morgan)

Here’s a popular worship song that is sung throughout the year.  There’s just something about singing it on Easter – it comes alive! Listen and sing along on my YouTube page. Here are the lyrics:

Lyrics:

I know he rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe
I believe

My shame He’s taken away
My pain is healed in his name
I believe
I believe

I’ll raise a banner
‘Cause my Lord has conquered the grave

My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives

I know He’s rescued my soul
His blood has covered my sin
I believe
I believe

My shame He’s taken away
My pain is healed in His Name
I believe
I believe

I’ll raisen a banner
‘Cause My Lord has conquered the grave

You Lift my burdens
I’ll rise with You
I’m dancing on this mountain top to see your kingdom come

My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives
My Redeemer Lives

You Are My King [Amazing Love] (written by Billy James Foote, sung by Newsboys)

This contemporary favorite is a lovely story about the amazing love of our Saviour and King. The lyrics compare and contrast the reality that the Perfect Lamb was forsaken and we sinners were forgiven and He was condemned while we are accepted. All because He died and rose again! It has been recorded by many, many artists but I sort of like how the Newsboys do it.  Enjoy the video below:

What’s Your Favorite Song?

I know there are many other Christian Easter songs that I have not included here. Share your favorite in the comments below, we love to hear from our readers!

Sources: Various YouTube videos

Tagged as: Christian Easter Songs, Easter, Jesus, praise, Worship