Sing a Joyful Song

At this time of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I remember the Easter hymns we sang in church as I grew up. I loved “Christ Arose” partly because of the building excitement in the chorus:

“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.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!” *
(Words and music by Rev. Robert Lowry, 1826-1899.)

Now that I’m older, I value more and more the truth of the song. Jesus Christ conquered death, and He offers true eternal life to those who choose to receive and follow Him.

Christ is risen! Hallelujah! He is risen indeed!

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV)

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3 NIV)

*Several performances of this song are available on YouTube. I liked this one by the Klondike Baptist Church Praise Team: https://youtu.be/UYcEH6vzVas

Behold!

Behold the cross!
The Lamb has died.
God in flesh
Now crucified.

They did not take
His life away.
He laid it down
Our debt to pay.

He bore it all–
Rejection, shame,
The hate, the jeers,
The body’s pain.

So all who would
Redeemed might be
And free from sin–
Forever free.

Behold the tomb!
It’s empty, bare
Except for grave cloths
Lying there.

Jesus rose,
Proved He’s the One–
Messiah, King,
God’s own Son.

Come, He calls,
And follow Me.
Life from above
You can receive.

Full life now
And ever more
With our triune God,
Savior, Lord.

He Is Risen!

What was it like that Sunday morning as they walked toward the grave?
Sadness and confusion—how can this be God’s way?
Nonetheless, we’ll go anoint Him, but who will roll the stone away?
Then on their arrival—who had moved the stone?
And look! The tomb is empty, face cloth and linen wrappings left, they alone!
Is that a gardener in the shadows? Perhaps he’ll say what’s been done.
“Mary!” Jesus said. “Rabboni (Teacher)!” she exclaimed.
Jesus was alive again, and everything had changed.
Yes, the Son had risen, and things would never be the same.

Glorious news of resurrection! Jesus proved His claim to deity.
In Him there is salvation, and that’s good news for you and me.
He’s the truth, the life, the way to God, and King of Kings eternally.
The veil in the temple—top to bottom rent in two.
Access to God the Father, Jesus opened with His death for me and you.
Rising again He gives us who trust Him hope, joy, and life anew.

See Mark 16:1-6 and John 20:11-16.

Celebrate Resurrection Sunday

Now’s a good time for us to rejoice

About all God’s done. Come lift up your voice,

And let us focus on the One who was dead

And came back to life just as He said!

And let’s celebrate—Resurrection Sunday!

 

It wasn’t a chicken who died on the cross,

And a rabbit didn’t pay redemption’s cost.

So unless these critters came to worship the Lord,

Maybe we should leave ‘em outside the church door

While we celebrate—Resurrection Sunday!

 

Bunnies and baskets, and chicks—lots of fun!

But don’t let them obscure the One

Who could’ve called angels, the cross to escape,

But suffered instead to open heaven’s gate.

We will celebrate—Resurrection Sunday!

 

Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and Lord.

I came to worship. Is that what you’re here for?

Come, let us praise Him, Jesus our king.

Justice meets mercy. Let the melodies ring!

And let’s celebrate—Resurrection Sunday!