Resurrection Sunday is fast approaching. It’s time to start thinking of your Easter program and what music you want to use in this special Easter service. Below is a list (in no particular order) of contemporary worship songs to sing at your Easter service that can help express heartfelt passion for the risen Savior. Most of these will be ideal for corporate worship and others may be more appropriate as a special song done by a choir or a soloist.
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10 Worship Songs for Easter Service
Last Updated: January 2017
1. Christ is Risen, by Jeremy Riddle
Riddle once commented that he wrote this song to fill a gap because he felt there were many songs about the cross, but very few that focused on the resurrection. He had discerned that the celebration of the resurrection had become strictly seasonal, but that it was meant to be celebrated year round. I tend to agree with him, after all, everything hinges on it and it’s a huge part of our faith. This anthem-like song celebrates Christ’s victory over death.
“Quickly now, go tell the world
Christ, the Lord, He is risen
The power of death could never hold Him in the grave”
2. Mighty to Save, by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan
This popular worship tune celebrates our unstoppable Savior. It was penned by Rodney Clawson, a member of the Australian group Hillsong, known internationally for praise and worship music (like “Shout to The Lord”). Mighty to Save can be heard on any given Sunday in congregations all over the world. The song has been covered by Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith and Newsboys—just to name a few.
“Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.”
3. The Saving One, by Starfield
Starfield is a four-piece Christian contemporary band from Canada. The Saving One is a hit song which is deeply focused on who Jesus is and how he has redeemed us by dying on the cross and rising again.
“His love has made a way, the grave is overcome
Jesus is the Christ, the saving One”
4. Easter Song, by Annie Herring
The Easter Song written by Ann Herring and made popular by Keith Green, is a great way to celebrate the resurrection. The Apostle Paul tells us that if Jesus did not rise from the dead our faith is useless and we are still dead in our sins (1 Cor. 15:17-19). This song shouts, “Jesus Christ is no longer dead!!” We have great hope for the future and can live our lives in confidence and with great vigor. Bring new life to the church with the powerful truth contained in these lyrics.
“Hear the bells ringing,
they’re singing that you can be born-again!”
5. I Know My Redeemer Lives, by Nicole C. Mullen
In a CBN interview Nicole C. Mullen explained, “When I was writing it, it used to be my comfort song. I would just sing, ‘I know my Redeemer lives. I know my Redeemer lives.’ I would sit on my bed and play it. It took me a while to get the verses, but I had the chorus right away. I would sing it to remind myself of what was really important… There are certain things that I don’t know, that I don’t have a clue about, but I do know that He lives, and I am willing to stake my life on it.”
6. Because He Lives, by Bill & Gloria Gaither
“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 day because he lives.” We do live in uncertain days, but with all the problems we may face, our greatest problem has been solved! Because our resurrected Lord has gone before us we can have everlasting life; life is worth living because He lives!
“And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He reigns.”
7. In Christ Alone, by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
This song is massively popular all over the world and tells the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection and second coming. It is considered to be a modern day hymn but has made its way into many churches that don’t typically sing hymns because it is eminently singable, relevant and very powerful.
“There in the tomb, His body lay, Light of the World by darkness slain.
Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave He rose again”
8. I Will Rise, by Chris Tomlin
Tomlin felt an urge to write something that would comfort those who have experienced great loss –like a modern day “It Is Well”. He came up with a melody and poignant words to encourage the church that Jesus has defeated death and because of Him we have victory as well. Even when we finally pass from this life we will rise when He calls our name. “Oh, Death, where is thy victory? Oh, death where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).
“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”
9. You Are My King (Amazing Love), by Billy James Foote
This worship song written by Billy James Foote was released as a single by Newsboys from their 2003 album, Adoration. It celebrates the powerful and lasting effects of Christ’s resurrection on our lives.
“I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again”
10. Rise Again, by Dallas Holm
Speaking of this song, Dallas Holm explained how there are times when he simply resolves that today’s job is to write a song. But then there are those rare occasions when the Lord just seems to grab hold of his pen and the words and music write themselves. Rise Again is such a song; it proclaims in the first person as though the Lord Himself were speaking.
“Go ahead, drive the nails in My hands,
Laugh at me where you stand.
Go ahead, and bury Me,
But very soon, I will be free!
‘Cause I’ll rise again; ain’t no power on earth can keep Me down!
Yes, I’ll rise again, death can’t keep Me in the ground.”
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BONUS:
Some Popular Easter Songs from 2016
Because He Lives (Amen), by Matt Maher
Marvellous Light & Love Broke Through, by Ellie Holcomb
Hallelujah For The Cross, by Newsboys
Even Unto Death & Inheritance, by Audrey Assad
Your Royal Blood & Joy Of The Lord, by Rend Collective
Touch The Sky, by Hillsong United
King Of Love & We Are Yours, by I Am They
The Sound That Saved Us All, by Anthony Skinner
Because He Lives & Revelation Song, by Shane & Shane
Lead Me To The Cross, by Francesca Battistelli
Hosanna, by Soweto Gospel Choir
Khumbaya, by Soweto Gospel Choir
You Are Good, by Israel Houghton
Every Praise, by Hezekiah Walker
We also have some Hymns for the more traditional Church
How Deep the Father’s Love For Us, by Selah
Blessed Redeemer, by Casting Crowns
Hope’s Song, by Rebecca St. James
Outrageous Love, by Krissy Nordhoff
Crown Him With Many Crowns, by Matthew Bridges
Up From The Grave He Arose, by Robert Lowry
The Old Rugged Cross, by Alan Jackson
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