Easter is a beautiful time of year, as spring rains usher in newness of life. And it’s even more beautiful as you reflect on Jesus, the Risen Savior. Add these contemporary Christian songs to your family celebrations for meaningful reflection, and let the lyrics remind you of who you’re celebrating.
Living Hope by Phil Wickham
Hope is a topic weighing heavily on our hearts, as the world without Jesus has none. The song “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham reminds us that hope isn’t a wish that might be granted, but God’s grace that continues forever. One stanza says:
“Who could imagine so great a mercy?
What heart could fathom such boundless grace?
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope.”
Our hearts cannot fathom the boundless grace of God, pouring from the throne of glory. Yet Easter invites us to reflect on the very One who bore our sin and shame, filling us with everlasting hope.
Scripture Focus: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
Reflection Question: What does the word “hope” mean to you? How does 1 Peter 1:3 invite you to receive Living Hope through Jesus?
Easter Activity: Write an acrostic for the word H-O-P-E, expressing gratefulness for what Christ has done for you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for the wonderful gift of hope through Your Son, Jesus. Today, I remember the boundless grace offered and the beautiful sacrifice made. In His holy name, amen.
What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong
Just a few months ago, our focus was on the birth of Jesus, recalling Joseph’s encounter with the angel who gave the name “Jesus” for the Christ Child. The significance of this passage for Easter is the meaning of His name — the Lord saves.
Hillsong’s contemporary song, What a Beautiful Name, emphasizes the resurrection and the moment the Savior of the world was raised to life again:
“Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again.”
As you reflect on the beautiful name of Jesus, tune your ears to the music of Heaven, roaring with the praise of His glory. Truly, He is the Risen Savior, offering salvation to all who will believe.
Scripture Focus: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Reflection Question: What is your favorite name of Jesus in the Bible, and why?
Easter Activity: Create a colorful poster filled with Jesus’ names. Choose one per day to discuss as a family, perhaps at the dinner table or on a walk.
Prayer: Lord, every title You hold is wonderful. You are sovereign over all. Today, I join Heaven in praising Your holy name. Amen and amen.
All Hail King Jesus by Jeremy Riddle
Reflecting on Jesus’ resurrection is the highlight of our Easter celebrations. But it’s also important to remember the magnitude of His death. All Hail King Jesus is a song that paints the picture of what that day was like:
“There was a moment when the lights went out
When death had claimed its victory
The King of Love had given up His life
The darkest day in history
There on a cross they made for sinners
For every curse, His blood atoned
One final breath, and it was finished
But not the end we could have known.”
Thankfully, we know how the story ends. We know that Jesus did defeat death, did take another breath, and did rise again. The light of His glory fills Heaven, a light that will never go out. What a day to rejoice in His perfect sacrifice!
Scripture Focus: “For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” (Romans 6:9-10)
Reflection Question: How does the solemnness of Jesus’ death add even more gratitude for His resurrection?
Easter Activity: Make an Easter diorama of the tomb with clay and other craft materials. Here’s a DIY video for reference.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I remember Your death on the cross as darkness filled the sky. What a powerful moment in history. Thank You for defeating death on our behalf, and raising us to life again. To You be the glory, amen.
Glorious Day by Passion
Jesus is our central focus at Easter and rightfully so. But it’s also a time for personal reflection, asking ourselves, How does Jesus’ resurrection impact my daily life, leading me to share the Good News with others?
The contemporary song, Glorious Day by Passion, connects Easter with the freedom we have in Christ:
“You called my name
Then I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day.”
Spend time this Easter remembering the moment you first believed. Praise God for calling your name, drawing you near, and giving you a new life.
Scripture Focus: “But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)
Reflection Question: How does your personal testimony motivate you to share Jesus with others?
Easter Activity: Journal your salvation story as an Easter reflection and legacy to pass on.
Prayer: Gracious God, I remember the day You called my name and changed my heart. Thank you for saving me. Help me courageously share my testimony with others, in hopes that they, too, will put their faith in You. In Your mighty name, amen.
Holy Forever by Chris Tomlin
Contemporary worship songs elevate our Easter celebrations by exalting the name of Jesus. It’s hard to stay angry, sad, or depressed when we’re worshipping the King of Kings.
Chris Tomlin’s Holy Forever leads the way with these lyrics:
“Your name is the highest
Your name is the greatest
Your name stands above them all
All thrones and dominions
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all.”
Just reading this stanza assures us that Jesus is still on His throne and is sovereign over all. Truly, He is exalted above every other name, and we can trust Him in all things. What a mighty God we love and serve. He is worthy of our praise!
Scripture Focus: “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT)
Reflection Question: How can the reminder that Jesus is sovereign draw you out of sadness or depression? Will you give Him control over what you cannot control?
Easter Activity: Decorate a jar with construction paper and invite family members to write their worries on slips of paper. Once the jar is full, cast all your worries to Jesus, trusting Him to handle them.
Prayer: Lord, this Easter I choose joy. As I remember You, high and lifted, I pray for every worry and concern to bow before You. You promise to perfect that which concerns me (Psalm 138:8), so I commit my troubles to You today. Thank You, Jesus, for giving us a reason to celebrate. As I listen to these beautiful songs of praise, I am filled 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 is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.
