The death of Christ broke our chains and made way for our salvation. But the story doesn't end there. The resurrection of Christ offers us the hope that death is indeed not the end and that the most significant earthly consequence for sin is still no match for the God who made the universe. Like the crucifixion, songs that make more than passing references to Christ's resurrection are rare compared to songs about His birth, even within Christian music. But these are a few throwback examples for you to listen to as Easter approaches.
"Early in the Morning" - David Meece
David Meece is a veteran artist who is highly talented in classical Christian music. However, he is often overlooked and underrated in the industry. A classically trained pianist, his songs were always much more musically layered than the industry standard. A later-career Easter offering from his 1993 album Once in a Lifetime is a fine example. Opening with a quiet piano-and-vocal intro, the song explodes into an epic anthem praising the risen king. A song that can get you singing along.
"The Stone Was Rolled Away" - Three Crosses
Three Crosses was one of the many bands in '90s Christian music that came and went with only a few albums and hits. Primarily forgotten by time in the industry, their accessible acoustic rock sound is worth a revisit. Their hit "The Stone Was Rolled Away" is perfect for Easter meditation. More profound than just recounting the events of that first Easter morning, this song challenges listeners who have fallen away in doubt. It encourages individuals to trust their faith and believe in the Gospel without fear. This worthy Easter message reintroduces you to a sadly forgotten band.
"He Came, He Saw, He Conquered" - Petra
For classic hard rock lovers, One of Petra's most well-known songs, "He Came, He Saw, "He Conquered," is a powerful anthem for Easter. A play on the Latin phrase, "veni vidi vici," this song transfers that glory to the only one who has genuinely earned it. Jesus came, Jesus saw, Jesus conquered. He conquered death itself. The song's message is a bit on the nose and cheesy by 2020s lyrical standards. And yet, in the glorious cheese and hair rock of the 1980s, this song was a rousing testament of faith that even cynical ears might find themselves dancing along to.
"Saved The Day" - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
Initially written by songwriter Michael Neale, this cover by veteran contemporary trio Phillips, Craig, and Dean is perhaps the more well-known rendition. The reflective ballad explodes into a triumphant chorus proclaiming how Christ "saved the day" by His death and resurrection. The song reminds us that no matter how dark circumstances may look, like the crucifixion, Christ is just waiting to save the day for us on the other side of the pain.
"Can't Keep A Good Man Down" - NewSong
At the heart of Winter Jam, the annual Christian music tour, is NewSong, the organizing force behind the event. If you attend Winter Jam, you're likely familiar with NewSong, as the contemporary band is known for their quintessential contemporary Christian Easter song, "Arise My Love." It's one of the most beautiful songs ever put to music. NewSong has other Easter songs like "Can't Keep A Good Man Down." Decidedly faster-paced and more energetic, this song is more bluntly ministerial. It addresses the skepticism those who doubt the resurrection feel while still proclaiming that Christ truly did overcome the grave. "You can close your eyes/You can say it's a lie/You can stick your head in the sand/You can turn away, even try to explain/He was just another man/When they nailed Him to the cross by His hands and feet/And they put Him in the ground/Three days later everybody found out that you can't/No you can't keep a good man down."
"Christ is Risen" - Matt Maher
It's hard to believe this song is over 15 years old now. It still feels so recent. Maybe it's due to contemporary superstar Matt Maher's timeless writing. He's among the most gifted songwriters in modern Christian music and has inspired many to worship across denominational lines. This song's simple proclamation of Christ's resurrection set to Maher's simple yet triumphant melody makes for an instant Easter classic. Look for this one to be in hymnals for years to come.
"While The Nations Rage" - Rich Mullins
Contemporary icon Rich Mullins was second to none when writing some of Christian music's most theologically profound lyrics. "While The Nations Rage" is an Easter classic but goes much deeper than merely reflecting that Christ rose from the dead. The song ties Christ's resurrection into the current world crises. Despite all the schemes the world will use to defeat Christ and His followers, He's already won the war. Mullins pens some of the most poetically meaningful lyrics known to classic Christian music. "Why do the nations rage?/Why do they plot and scheme?/Their bullets can't stop the prayers we pray/In the name of the Prince of Peace/We walk in faith and remember long ago/How they killed Him and then how on the third day He arose/Well, things may look bad/And things may look grim/But all these things must pass except the things that are of Him/Where are the nails that pierced His hands?/Well the nails have turned to rust/But behold the Man/He is risen/And He reigns/In the hearts of the children/Rising up in His name/Where are the thorns that drew His blood?/Well, the thorns have turned to dust/But not so the love/He has given/No, it remains/In the hearts of the children Who will love/while the nations rage"
As we celebrate another Easter Sunday, remember that Christ has already overcome everything that plagues our world. The only thing left is to choose to align ourselves with Him.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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