Easter is a time of great celebration for anyone in the church. It is the celebration of the moment that defines us as Christians: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died a sinner’s death so that we wouldn’t have to, and He rose again so that we could live forever with Him.
There is no shortage of music, from the ancient to the modern, for your church to choose from for an Easter service or concert. But sometimes the choices can be almost overwhelming, and you may not know where to start with your music selection. I’ve put together a top ten list of some of my favorite Easter songs – some older traditional hymns, and some more modern worship songs. If you’re searching for Easter songs for your church or ministry, I hope this list can give you a place to start.
#1 – How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
Many Christian artists over the past few decades have sung this song. The song is about how God loved us enough to have His only Son die in our place. The last verse is the beauty of Easter: “It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished. His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished.”
#2 – We Welcome Glad Easter
This classic hymn is short and simple, with verses in rhyming couplets. It’s a song that would be suitable for a congregation, a praise team, or a choir of most any size or age group. It’s an uncomplicated song that tells the Easter story. For example, the third verse says: “We sing of the angel who said: ‘Do not fear! Your Savior is risen, and He is not here.’”
#3 – Blessed Redeemer by Casting Crowns
Slow and meditative, this song by Casting Crowns reflects on the suffering Jesus endured on the cross. My favorite lyrics:
“Blessed Redeemer, precious Redeemer, seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree. Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading. Blind and unheeding, dying for me.”
#4 – In Christ Alone
Written by Kristen and Keith Getty, this modern hymn has become a standard across many denominations. Rerecorded and performed by Kristian Stanfill, Lauren Daigle, and many others, this song declares the truth of God's identity through Christ in a beautiful way.
#5 – Crown Him With Many Crowns
This hymn dates to the mid-1800s, but it’s just as valid today as it was when it was written, because it’s all about Jesus’ majesty. The lyrics speak of crowning Jesus the “Lord of life,” “Lord of peace,” and “Lord of love.” It’s a beautiful praise song that is appropriate for any time of year, but especially for Easter.
#6 – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
This is the oldest hymn that I have on this list. It was originally a Latin hymn that dates to the 14th century. The 18th-century composer Charles Wesley turned it into the hymn we know today.
#7 – The Wonderful Cross
Chris Tomlin and Mark Redman reworked this wonderful old hymn with a fresh melody and sweet interlude. The original hymn has a slightly different melody and was written by Isaac Watts in 1707.
#8 – All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
This hymn was written by Edward Perronet in 1779. Paxson and Allison Jeancake do a wonderful job of freshening this hymn and adding a short chorus, “we crown you,” at the end of each verse. More songs and info at https://paxsonandallison.com/.
#9 – Glorious Day
Released in 2017 by Passion, featuring Kristian Stanfill, our church used this as the opening song this past Easter. It has a great, high energy vibe and does a great job of connecting our sin and shame to the power of Jesus' work on the cross.
#10 – Forever
One of my very favorite Easter worship songs, Kare Jobe's, Forever, has such wonderful lyrics that build and tell the story of Christ's work on the cross. It is incredibly powerful and a fantastic choice for a solo or special music choice for your service.
There are so many ancient and modern Easter worship songs to choose from. My prayer is that you would select the best Easter songs to help your congregation embrace the meaning and message of Easter and that more people would be drawn to the love of Christ and the power of the cross this Easter.