Easter Sunday is when Christians celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ resurrection. Upon dying on the cross, Jesus arose from his tomb on the third day, according to the New Testament. Congregations worldwide fill the special occasion with food and music, often singing Easter-themed hymns and favorite worship songs. Here are 15 best hymns and worship songs to celebrate our savior’s miraculous return.
“Christ the Lord Has Risen Today”
“Christ the Lord Has Risen Today” is a hymn with a rich history. It is an 18th-century hymn penned by English clergyman Charles Wesley, the same author who gave us “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”Traditionally performed in church during the processional on Easter Day, the hymn celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. The text is set to the tune of “Easter Hymn.” Later, the text was shortened to four stanzas, and an unknown author added the melismatic “Alleluia” we are familiar with today.
“Because He Lives”
The husband and wife songwriting team Bill and Gloria Gaither (pictured with a fan above) are credited for writing one of the most successful hymns ever. In 1974, their song “Because He Lives” was awarded Gospel Song of the Year by the Gospel Music Association and the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP). The text follows the life of Jesus from birth and crucifixion to resurrection, then relates a personal testimony that ends with a message of eternal hope. The song reflected the anxieties involving social upheavals and the threat of war. It helped Christians restore faith in God’s plan.
“Jesus Paid It All”
As the congregation sat in a Baltimore church listening to the pastor’s prayers, Elvina M. Hall, a widowed member, jotted her thoughts down onto the flyleaf of a hymn book. Her writing underscored the immense sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. It also expressed how unworthy we are to merit such mercy and how we are forever indebted to his name. When paired with the church organist’s tune “All To Christ I Owe,” the new hymn, “Jesus Paid It All,” was published in 1868. The hymn has become a mainstay in Easter Day celebrations.
“Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is one of the most popular hymns of all time, performed at church services all year round. John Newton penned the lyrics in 1772, inspired by his life as a sailor, slave trader, and later clergyman. The tune is based on “New Britain” and became a symbol for the abolitionist movement. It also became popular in the South and was huge in the Civil Rights Movement. With its powerful message of redemption, this hymn transcends the church walls and restores human compassion.
“In Christ Alone”
This popular hymn features a strong Irish melody and was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2001. “In Christ alone” emphasizes that salvation is only achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. The song has become particularly cherished in the UK. In a list of best-loved hymns compiled by the BBC Songs of Praise survey, the song ranked ninth in 2005. Fourteen years later, it rose to number three.
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Written in 1912 by George Bennard, “The Old Rugged Cross” has become a standard in the country gospel and hymnal repertoire. After being popularized by Ernest Tubbman, many other performers, such as Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Patsy Cline, and Merle Haggard, recorded their renditions. Only when these artists endorsed the song in the 1950s did major hymnals finally accept it. The lyrics were considered controversial because of their affection for the cross.
“Crown Him With Many Crowns”
“Crown Him With Many Crowns” is a well-known hymn written by Mathew Bridges and Godfrey Thring in 1851. Sung to the tune “Diademata” by Sir George Job Elvey, the hymn appears in many hymnals and was inspired by Revelation 19:12, it describes Jesus as having “many crowns” on his head. The verse and hymn express Christ’s kingship, Lordship, and the different roles and honors bestowed upon Jesus.
“All Hail King Jesus”
“All Hail King Jesus” is a worship song credited to Bethel Music, a Christian recording and publishing label with a global collective of songwriters. The company developed from the music ministry at Bethel Church, a megachurch in Redding, California, and has produced over 60 albums since 2001. The ballad’s lyrics praise Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, rejoice in his resurrection, and exalt his role as King of Heaven and Earth. “All Hail King Jesus” has become a beloved song in Christian circles.
“Christ Arose”
The 19th-century hymn “Christ Arose,” also known as “Low in the Grave He Lay,” features contrasting sections. The verse is dirge-like and somber, whereas the chorus is joyous and celebratory, filling the hearts of the listeners with hope and joy. The lyrics describe a woman’s experience discovering the empty tomb from the book of Luke, and it was written by Robert Lowry, a preacher and prolific hymn writer with over 500 hymns credited to his name. The hymn became popular when it was included in Ira D. Sankey’s Sacred Songs and Songs.
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
Samuel Medley, a former sailor in the Royal Navy, wrote “I Know My Redeemer Lives” based on a miracle he experienced in battle. The future Baptist minister sustained a significant leg injury but was miraculously healed. In 1775, he wrote the text inspired by the Book of Job and his unflinching faith in God’s power. The melody was written by Lewis D. Edwards, a Latter-day Saint, and was included in Emma Smith’s 1835 hymnal.
“Easter Song”
Annie Herring wrote “Easter Song” with the pioneering Christian music group 2nd Chapter of Acts. Recorded in 1974, the song quickly became an Easter staple. It describes Jesus’s resurrection and expresses the elation Christians felt upon learning about the miracle, inspiring a sense of motivation and hopefulness. The devotional song helped build the contemporary Christian genre and inspired many Christian songwriters who followed. Many congregations around the world sing the song to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection.
“Forever”
“Forever” was a devotional song that stayed on the US Hot Christian Songs chart for like, ever. Written by Chris Tomlin, the song debuted at No. 43 in 2023. After 59 weeks, “Forever” reached No. 1, making it the longest charting climb in the chart’s history. Tomlin’s album Holy Forever became certified gold, and the song stayed on the chart for 80 weeks. Many congregations enjoy singing this contemporary worship song for its assurance in God’s eternal and everlasting love. As one of the most recent songs on our list, expect to hear it at your next Easter service.
“God So Loved the World”
“God So Loved the World” has an unusual origin story. Sir John Stainer wrote the hymn with men and boy voices in mind. The lyrics were taken from the Book of John 3:16, a section Martin Luther described as the miniature Bible for its comprehensive material. Frances Townsend spotted an unfinished version of the hymn on a piano and added the phrase “What glory that will be.” The addition effectively completed the song and the hymn, which remains a favorite among congregations everywhere, especially around Eastertime.
“Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
This devotional song is based on a Latin hymn from the 14th century. The source material was “Surrexit Christus hodie,” whose author is unknown. It was translated into English for John Baptist Walsh’s collection “Lyra Davidca.” The refrain features “Alleluia,” a characteristic of Easter repertoire. “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” is sung to the tune of “Easter Hymn” and is often confused with “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.”
“Living Hope”
“Living Hope” is a contemporary Christian song released by Phil Wickham during Easter in 2018. Written in collaboration with Brian Johnson (Bethel Music), the song peaked at No. 10 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart. Its lyrics express the blessing of Jesus’ arrival, restoring faith in humanity. To that end, the song has become a favorite for worshipers and Easter celebrations.
