Christians throughout the ages have written countless songs to capture the timeless and glorious truths of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. And here are ten of my favorite Easter songs.
1. O Sacred Head Now Wounded – Bernard Clairvaux
This beautiful passion hymn was adapted from a poem by Bernard of Clairvaux in Latin during the middle ages. The sweet melody and heartfelt words about Jesus’ crucifixion will drive you to your knees in adoration of our Lord.
“What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, T’was all for sinners’ gain. Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain.”
2. How deep the Father’s Love for us – Stuart Townend
I love that this modern hymn not only portrays the crucifixion of Christ, but it also acknowledges the love and sacrifice of the Father in giving His Son.
“How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away. As wounds which mar the Chosen One, Bring many sons to glory.”
3. In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found) – Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
This is modern hymn beautifully summarizes the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
“Then bursting forth in glorious day, Up from the grave He rose again. And as He stands in victory, Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me.”
4. O Praise the Name (Anástasis) – Hillsong Worship
Anastasis is Greek for rising or resurrection. Hillsong Worship wrote this song for Easter Sunday and was inspired by the old hymns of the faith. With its Christ-centered and Bible-saturated lyrics of the redemption story, O Praise the Name is one of their best songs.
“Then on the third at break of dawn, The Son of heaven rose again. O trampled death, where is your sting? The angels roar for Christ the King.”
5. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Isaac Watts, one of the greatest hymn writers in history, wrote this hymn based on Galatians 6:14. It is considered one of, if not the finest hymns ever written in English.
“When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of glory died. My Richest gain I count loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.”
6. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – Charles Wesley
Charles Wesley wrote this hymn in 1739 and he simply called it “Hymn For Easter Day.” With its beautiful truths about the glorious resurrection of Christ, it remains a favorite hymn for Easter Sunday.
“Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!”
7. Jesus Paid It All – Elvina Hall
This hymn was adapted from a poem written by Elvina Hall in 1865. The lyrics speak of our need for salvation and how Jesus paid it for us. I also really like this upbeat version by Kristian Stanfill. It always makes me jump in praise.
“For nothing good have I, Where-by Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white, In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.”
8. Man of Sorrows – Hillsong Worship
This Easter song focuses on the suffering of the Messiah and His blazing triumph afterward. It was actually the first worship song I learned when I became a Christian. I was at the live recording of this version that occurred at my Alma Mater, and it was my worship service ever.
“See the stone is rolled away, Behold the empty tomb. Hallelujah God be praised, He’s risen from the grave!”
9. The Old rugged cross – George Bennard
Another beautiful hymn on the power of the cross of Christ. It was written in 1913 by George Bennard after months of praying and studying for a full understanding of the cross.
10. Victoire Alléluia (Galilée)
So, this is an African song, it’s in french, and you probably won’t understand what it says. But I had to include it because it is my favorite Easter song. I grew up listening to it every year at Easter. And even after I moved from home, I never stopped listening to it annually. I love how the song is festive and joyful. Easter is a celebration, after all! So play this song on Easter and dance to it like David. I know I will.
“Victory, alleluia! Let’s sing; let’s shout for joy! Jesus Christ came out of the tomb.”
There are many other Easter songs out there, but these are my favorites. What about you? Drop some of yours in the comments!
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
