Because He Lives

March 29th, 2024
by Eric Costanzo

Today in our Easter services, our choir will sing a rendition of “Because He Lives,” which was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither in 1971.

I recently read an interview with Gloria in which she shared the details of how God inspired the writing of this beautiful hymn that has been sung millions of times in churches all over the world. Coming out of the 1960s, Bill and Gloria felt overwhelmed with the state of the world, a divided nation, and several personal challenges they were facing. Gloria explains,*

‘Because He Lives’ was written during a time of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. Assassinations, drug trafficking, racial tensions, and war monopolized the headlines. Bill had been sick, we’d had a death in the family, and a close relative was getting divorced. While all of this was happening, we were soon to bring our third little baby into the world. As we sat in our living room on New Year’s Eve, amid all this uncertainty, the assurance of the Lordship of the Risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in a parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write:

‘How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride, and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because He lives.’

I find Gloria’s words incredibly timely for our own cultural moment, and my faith is encouraged by the many reminders from this hymn that we can take heart because Jesus Christ, our Living Hope, has already overcome the world (John 16:33). As you hear this hymn today, may your heart also be encouraged that life in Christ is “worth the living . . . because He lives!”

He is Risen…He is Risen Indeed!

*Gloria’s words here are compiled and combined here from multiple sources.