Easter is a beautiful time when the spring rains bring new life. And it becomes even more beautiful when we think about the risen Savior Jesus. Add these contemporary Christian songs to your family celebrations to create meaningful memories and listen to the lyrics to remember who you’re celebrating.
Living Hope by Phil Wickham
Hope is a topic that weighs heavily on our hearts, as there is no hope in a world without Jesus. Phil Wickham’s song “Living Hope” reminds us that hope is not a wish that may come true, but God’s everlasting grace. One verse reads:
“Who could have imagined such great mercy?
What kind of mind can understand such infinite grace?
The eternal God has withdrawn from glory.
To bear the guilt and bear the shame
The cross spoke, I am forgiven.
the king of kings calls me his
Beautiful savior, I’m yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope. ”
Our hearts cannot fathom the infinite grace of God that pours out from the throne of glory. But Easter invites us to reflect on the very One who took our sin and shame and filled us with eternal hope.
Bible Focus: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercies has given us birth again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
Reflection questions: What does the word “hope” mean to you? How does 1 Peter 1:3 encourage us to receive a living hope through Jesus?
Easter activities: Write an acrostic of the word “hope” to express your gratitude for what Christ has done for you.
prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise you for the wonderful gift of hope that you have given us through your Son Jesus. Today I remember the infinite blessings offered and the beautiful sacrifices offered. In His Holy Name, Amen.
Hillsong’s “What a Beautiful Name”
Just a few months ago, we focused on the birth of Jesus and recalled Joseph’s encounter with the angel who gave the infant Christ the name “Jesus.” The significance of this passage regarding Easter is the meaning of the Lord’s name: He saves.
Hillsong’s contemporary song “What a Beautiful Name” emphasizes the resurrection of the Savior of the world and the moment of his resurrection.
“Death couldn’t hold you
the veil was torn before you
You silenced sin and pride of the grave
the heavens are roaring in praise of your glory
for you have been raised again. ”
As you meditate on the beautiful name of Jesus, listen to the heavenly music of the praises of His glory. Indeed, Jesus is the risen Savior, and He offers salvation to all who believe.
Bible Focus: “She will give birth to a son, and you shall name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Reflection questions: What is your favorite name of Jesus in the Bible and why?
Easter activities: Create a colorful poster filled with the name of Jesus. Pick one a day and discuss it with your family at the dinner table or on a walk.
prayer: Lord, every title you hold is wonderful. You are sovereign over everything. Today I join heaven to praise your holy name. Amen, amen.
All Hail, King Jesus Written by Jeremy Riddle
Reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus is a highlight of Easter celebrations. But it’s also important to remember the magnitude of his death. “All Hail King Jesus” is a song that describes what happened that day.
“There was a moment when the electricity went out.
when death declares victory
The king of love gave up his life
darkest day in history
on the cross they made for sinners
His blood atoned for every curse.
It ended with one last breath
But it wasn’t the ending we could have known. ”
Thankfully, we know how the story ends. We know that Jesus defeated death, breathed again, and rose again. The light of God’s glory fills the heavens and is a light that never goes out. What a day to rejoice in God’s perfect sacrifice!
Biblical focus: “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again. Death can no longer have dominion over Him. The death that He died means that He was once dead to sin, but His life is alive to God” (Romans 6:9-10).
Reflection questions: Perhaps the solemnity of Jesus’ death makes us even more grateful for his resurrection.
Easter activities: Create an Easter diorama of a tomb using clay and other craft materials. I used the DIY video as a reference.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as darkness fills the sky, we remember your death on the cross. What a powerful moment in history. Thank you for defeating death on our behalf and bringing us back to life. Glory be to you, amen.
A bright day of passion
Jesus is our central focus at Easter, and rightly so. But it’s also a time for personal reflection, asking myself how Jesus’ resurrection has impacted my daily life and inspired me to share the good news with others.
Passion’s contemporary song “Glorious Day” connects Easter with the freedom we have in Christ.
“You called my name
Then I jumped out of that grave
come out of the darkness
To your bright day. ”
Spend this Easter remembering the moment you first believed. Praise God for calling your name, drawing you to Him, and giving you new life.
Bible Focus: “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so this day will not surprise you like a thief. You are all children of light, and children of the day. We are not of night nor of darkness” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5).
Reflection questions: How does your personal testimony motivate you to share Jesus with others?
Easter activities: Record your story of salvation as an Easter reflection and legacy to pass on.
prayer: Merciful God, I remember the day you called my name and changed my heart. Thank you for saving me. Have courage to share my testimony with others so that they too may put their faith in You. In your mighty name, amen.
Holy Forever Written by Chris Tomlin
Modern worship songs liven up Easter celebrations by praising the name of Jesus. It’s hard to stay angry, sad, and depressed when you’re worshiping the King of kings.
Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin begins with these lyrics:
“Your name is the best
your name is the best
your name stands above them all
all thrones and realms
all powers and status
Your name stands above them all. ”
Just by reading this verse, we can see that Jesus is still on the throne and ruling over everything. Indeed, God is more exalted than any other name, and we can trust Him in all things. What a great God we love and serve! He deserves our admiration!
Bible Focus: “Therefore God exalted him to a position of highest honor and gave him a name that is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11 New Testament).
Reflection questions: How can reminding yourself that Jesus is Sovereign save you from sadness and depression? Why not let God control what you cannot control?
Easter activities: Decorate the jar with construction paper and have family members write their concerns on slips of paper. When the jar is full, cast all your worries on Jesus and trust that He will take care of them.
prayer: Lord, this Easter, I choose joy. I pray that every care and concern may bow down before You, remembering You exalted and exalted. Today, I cast my troubles on You because You have promised to perfect everything that concerns me (Psalm 138:8). Thank you, Jesus, for giving us a reason to celebrate. Listening to these beautiful praise songs fills me with hope and joy again. Amen.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/doidam10
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
