NRT Paul Phillips shares new Easter songs about hope and the Good News: Jesus died on the cross to save our sins. Turn your grim into hope with music—even if it’s just for a few minutes.
For the past few months, our brains have been consumed with COVID-19 and its sweep across the globe. It’s harder than ever to focus on the true reason for the season, Jesus Christ.
It’s harder to remember why he died on the cross for us. It’s harder to find hope in His promise for eternal life. It’s even harder to trust in the one who makes things happen.
So, let this article bring you back to 1 Peter 3:18. Why He died for us? “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.”
Let’s rejoice in his promise for eternal life through music. I have eight Easter songs that can help you do that.
But as you listen to each song, listen to every word. Take in every beat. And, maybe, just maybe, you might find some hope and some smiles. d
“Both Sides” by River Valley Worship
“Both Sides” is a musical proclamation that Jesus rose on the third day. I can imagine myself and other congregates singing the song at Good Friday or Easter Sunday service. Maybe it’s because River Valley Worship performs the song live. But, I think it’s more than that. Speaking of which, see if you can attend any Easter service online. It’s not better than the real thing. But, you can still praise the Creator through the screen. Think about celebrating Easter with the family online as well. Again, it's better in person, but you still get to celebrate.
“Empty Grave” by Zach Williams
In my opinion, Easter is more important than Christmas. Jesus’ resurrection is the very center of our movement. Other Christians share this sentiment. But, still ’tis the season to drop many Christmas albums (not so many Easter albums). Zach Williams, the singer of “Fear Is A Liar,” released “Empty Grave,” exclusively for Easter. It has a haunting folk-rock sound. If you're a rock head, you'll certainly want this song on rotation. I’ve downloaded it, listened to it. And, will continue to listen to it once Easter is over.
Some cool lyrics to chew on: "Oh, I see an empty grave/I hear the heavens waking/Angels in jubilation/That stone's been rolled away/I feel the darkness breaking/I bet the devil's shaking/Somebody celebrate/I see an empty grave."
“Empty Grave” by Disciple
Here's another Easter song called, “Empty Grave.” There might be a trend happening. Oh, by the way, Bethel Music did a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ain’t No Grave.” Same meaning. Easter. Disciple’s song is one of gratitude. Lead vocalist Kevin Young praises Jesus for giving him new life by dying on the cross. Kevin’s exact words are, “Where you resurrect me leaving an empty grave.”
“My King” by Connect Worship
If Easter had a sound, then Connect Worship hit the nail on the head. “My King” is pure, both in vocals and in lyrics. Stream it. It’s worth a listen. Plus, you consume very much needed truth. "My King You wore, my crown of thorns/My robe of shame, You took it all/From death and grave, to life I rise/In You, in You/Your blood was shed, in perfect love/My sin defeated, I am Yours/In endless grace I'm saved."
“King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship
For the most part, Hillsong Worship releases a new album annually. Last year, the band released “King of Kings”: definitely, a song that I’ve had on rotation. Hillsong Worship’s Brooke Ligertwood tackles this praise song with beautiful, breathtaking vocals. I think the lyrics are pretty powerful, too: "And the morning that You rose/All of Heaven held its breath/’Til that stone was moved for good/For the Lamb had conquered death/And the dead rose from their tombs."
“On My Side” by Demon Hunter
Soldiers of spiritual warfare, Demon Hunter claims victory over the devil with the blood of Jesus. “Consuming victory/The trumpets calling out to me by name/By name/No looming debt for me/No, death his will find his aim to be in vain/In vain.” Sometimes, you need solid songs of reverence, provided by praise bands, like Hillsong Worship and Connect Worship. Sometimes, you need a good fight for freedom (enter Demon Hunter, Skillet, or Disciple). Spoiler: the battle has already been won. Just ask Jesus.
“Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” by Keith and Kristyn Getty
Like I said earlier, it’s harder to focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus, with the COVID-19 virus killing thousands. But, it’s possible. Modern hymnists Keith & Kristyn Getty’s “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” is a great listen for lifting your spirits and praising the cross. This new Easter hymn makes me want to rally the troops and praise His name: “Come, those whose joy is morning sun/And those weeping through the night/Come, those who tell of battles won/And those struggling in the fight/For His perfect love will never change.”
I like how a promo for the song put it: “Sickness, fear, and suffering afflict us all. Yet our hope remains as certain as the empty tomb. Even in the darkness, we can sing, “Hallelujah.” Now and ever, we confess Christ our hope in life and death.”
“I Remember” by Planetshakers
To me, this song is a little convicting. Day to day, I live “The ‘Me’ Show,” not giving Jesus much attention. And, I know I’m not alone. Planetshakers give us a little reminder: “I remember what You did for me/I remember how You bled for me.” For this article, I’d like to end with this lyric from “I Remember”: “All the pain You had to bear for me/How You took the greatest fall for me/All my sin and all my shame/It took You to the grave/I remember how You died for me.”
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus. // Photo Credit: Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash
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