Celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ with these beautiful Easter hymns to sing and rejoice in Him Who Lives!
Celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ with these beautiful Easter hymns to sing and rejoice in Him Who Lives!
May these hymns for Easter remind you of the magnificent day Christ rose from the grave and gave internal life to those who believe in Him!
1. "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
Description: This hymn is a triumphant celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's traditionally sung on Easter Sunday and known for its Alleluia chorus, which joyfully affirms Christ's victory over death.
Lyrics: "Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!"
YouTube Link: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
2. "He Lives"
Description: "He Lives" is a hymn that emphasizes believers' personal relationship with Jesus Christ, affirming that He is alive and involved in our lives. The refrain, "He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!" is a powerful declaration of faith.
Lyrics: "I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him, He's always near."
YouTube Link: He Lives
3. "In Christ Alone"
Description: Though newer than many traditional hymns, "In Christ Alone" has quickly become a beloved Easter anthem. It tells the story of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, highlighting the assurance of salvation through faith in Him.
Lyrics: "In Christ alone, my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm."
YouTube Link: In Christ Alone
4. "Because He Lives"
Description: This hymn is a comforting reminder of the hope and assurance that come from Christ's resurrection. It reflects on the impact of Jesus's victory over death on our daily lives and our future.
Lyrics: "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."
YouTube Link: Because He Lives
5. "The Old Rugged Cross"
Description: While it focuses more on the crucifixion, "The Old Rugged Cross" is essential to Easter as it lays the groundwork for the resurrection. It's a moving hymn about Jesus's sacrifice and salvation from trusting in Him.
Lyrics: "On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suffering and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best, For a world of lost sinners was slain."
YouTube Link: The Old Rugged Cross
6. "Crown Him with Many Crowns"
Description: This hymn is a majestic declaration of Jesus Christ's kingship, celebrating His victory over death and His reign over all. It's a powerful call to worship Christ for His sacrifice and triumphant resurrection.
Lyrics: "Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne; Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own! Awake, my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity."
YouTube Link: Crown Him with Many Crowns
7. "Up from the Grave He Arose"
Description: With an uplifting melody, this hymn vividly describes the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. The chorus, "He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!" captures the joy and triumph of Easter morning.
Lyrics: "Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord! Up from the grave He arose; With a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, with His saints to reign."
YouTube Link: Up from the Grave He Arose
8. "Christ Is Risen, Hallelujah!"
Description: This is a joyous hymn celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ with exuberant alleluias, expressing the miracle of Easter. It invites singers and listeners to rejoice over the defeat of death and the hope of eternal life.
Lyrics: "Christ is risen, Hallelujah! Risen our victorious Head; Sing His praises, Hallelujah! Christ is risen from the dead."
YouTube Link: Christ Is Risen, Hallelujah!
(Note: Specific performances of some hymns might be more difficult to find, but various renditions can often be found by searching the hymn's title.)
9. "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today"
Description: A closely related but distinct hymn from "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," this hymn also celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It features a beautiful, uplifting melody and is often accompanied by triumphant organ music.
Lyrics: "Jesus Christ is risen today, Hallelujah! Our triumphant holy day, Hallelujah! Who did once upon the cross, Hallelujah! Suffer to redeem our loss, Hallelujah!"
YouTube Link: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today
10. "The Day of Resurrection"
Description: This hymn tells of the resurrection of Jesus and its significance for all creation. It's a call to praise and a reminder of the victory over sin and death that Easter represents.
Lyrics: "The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad; The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God. From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky, Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory."
YouTube Link: The Day of Resurrection
Bonus: Christ is Risen (Orthodox Hymn)
Description: This hymn is sung to celebrate Easter Sunday (also known as Pascha in Orthodox Christianity).
Lyrics: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death. And Upon those in the tombs, bestowing life!"
Photo credit: © Getty Images/jchizhe