Easter is the most significant celebration in the Christian calendar. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes victory over death, sin, and despair. One of the most profound ways Christians around the world express their joy during this season is through hymns. These Easter hymns are more than melodies—they are declarations of hope, triumph, and eternal life.
In this article, we’ll explore 36 powerful Easter hymns that echo the glorious message of the Resurrection. Whether you’re planning a church service, curating your personal worship playlist, or simply reflecting on the season, this guide is designed to uplift and inspire.
Why Easter Hymns Matter
Easter hymns play a crucial role in Christian worship:
They tell the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
They reinforce the theological truths of salvation, grace, and victory.
They unite believers in communal praise and celebration.
Easter hymns remind us of the eternal hope we have through Jesus Christ. Many of them have been sung for generations, binding past and present worshippers through timeless truths.
Classic Easter Hymns
1. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – Charles Wesley
A cornerstone of Easter worship, this hymn is a triumphant celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The repeated “Alleluia” creates a jubilant echo of praise.
2. Up from the Grave He Arose – Robert Lowry
Also known as “Low in the Grave He Lay,” this hymn contrasts Jesus’ death and burial with His victorious resurrection.
3. He Lives – Alfred H. Ackley
This popular hymn proclaims, “You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!”—a personal and passionate testimony of faith.
4. Crown Him with Many Crowns – Matthew Bridges & Godfrey Thring
While often sung during various liturgical seasons, this hymn is particularly meaningful at Easter, highlighting Jesus’ authority and victory.
5. The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done – Francis Pott
A hymn that reflects on the battle between life and death, concluding with Christ’s victorious resurrection.
6. Thine Be the Glory – Edmond Budry
Set to Handel’s majestic tune, this hymn is often sung on Easter morning to affirm that Jesus has conquered the grave.
7. I Know That My Redeemer Lives – Samuel Medley
Based on Job 19:25, this hymn speaks of the eternal life and assurance that come through the risen Christ.
Contemporary Easter Hymns
8. Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) – Casting Crowns
A modern retelling of the Gospel story with a strong resurrection emphasis in the final verse: “One day the grave could conceal Him no longer…”
9. Forever – Kari Jobe
This worship anthem focuses on the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, with a powerful crescendo of victory.
10. Resurrecting – Elevation Worship
This song poetically describes the resurrection power of Jesus and how it works in believers today.
11. Because He Lives (Amen) – Matt Maher
Inspired by the classic hymn, this modern rendition praises the resurrected Savior and the hope He brings.
12. Death Was Arrested – North Point Worship
A passionate declaration of how Jesus’ resurrection set us free from the bondage of sin and death.
Lesser-Known Yet Powerful Easter Hymns
13. Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain – John of Damascus
An ancient hymn that calls believers to rejoice in the resurrection miracle.
14. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today – Unknown, 14th Century
With roots in Latin plainsong, this joyful hymn is widely sung in churches during Easter Sunday services.
15. Welcome, Happy Morning! – Venantius Fortunatus
This joyful hymn dates back to the 6th century and has been translated and adapted in many modern hymnals.
16. Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise – Charles Wesley
Although more commonly associated with Ascension Day, this hymn also fits Easter themes of victory and heavenly glory.
17. Alleluia! Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven and Voices Raise – Christopher Wordsworth
With uplifting lyrics and a jubilant tone, this hymn is perfect for any Easter celebration.
Hymns That Reflect on the Passion and Resurrection
18. Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? – African-American Spiritual
A contemplative and emotive hymn that walks listeners through the crucifixion and resurrection.
19. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded – Bernard of Clairvaux
A somber meditation on Christ’s suffering, this hymn sets the stage for the resurrection triumph.
20. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Isaac Watts
Though typically sung on Good Friday, its reflections on the cross enrich Easter understanding.
21. Behold the Lamb – Keith & Kristyn Getty
A communion hymn that links Christ’s sacrifice to the power of the Resurrection.
Children’s Easter Hymns
22. Jesus Is Alive Today
This simple and joyful hymn is perfect for teaching children the basic truth of Easter: Jesus is alive!
23. Alive, Alive
Often sung in Sunday schools, this repetition-rich song reinforces the truth of the risen Savior.
24. Sing Hosanna (Give Me Oil in My Lamp)
While not Easter-exclusive, this song is commonly used during Palm Sunday and Easter programs.
Easter Hymns from Different Cultures
25. Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna! – Brian Wren
This hymn brings a global voice to Easter praise, emphasizing inclusion and social justice in the context of Christ’s victory.
26. Alleluia No. 1 – Donald Fishel
A 20th-century Catholic favorite that is joyful, simple, and widely used during Easter Mass.
27. Surrexit Christus Hodie (Christ the Lord is Risen Today) – Latin
This ancient Latin chant has inspired many English hymn versions and carries the weight of centuries of worship.
Modern Worship Hymns for Easter Sunday
28. Living Hope – Phil Wickham
A profound song that blends personal testimony with deep theological reflection on the resurrection.
29. In Christ Alone – Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
A modern classic that includes the line: “Up from the grave He rose again,” making it ideal for Easter.
30. This Is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham
Though not Easter-specific, the theme of Jesus conquering the grave aligns with Easter praise.
31. My Redeemer Lives – Nicole C. Mullen
A vibrant anthem affirming the living power and presence of Jesus Christ.
Traditional Gospel Easter Hymns
32. Ain’t No Grave – Claude Ely
This Southern Gospel hymn proclaims the power of the resurrection in defying death itself.
33. The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard
A deeply beloved hymn that, although focused on the cross, transitions beautifully into resurrection joy.
34. At the Cross – Isaac Watts
This hymn reflects on Christ’s suffering, leading naturally to the joy of Easter morning.
Modern Choir-Friendly Easter Hymns
35. See, What a Morning (Resurrection Hymn) – Getty Music
A triumphant choral hymn recounting the events of the empty tomb in vivid, poetic detail.
36. Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed – Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
An energetic modern hymn that boldly celebrates the resurrection with a memorable refrain.
Conclusion
Easter hymns, whether ancient or modern, help believers engage deeply with the message of the Resurrection. They bring Scripture to life, evoke heartfelt worship, and remind us of our eternal hope. From classic hymns like “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” to modern anthems like “Living Hope,” each song in this list has the power to stir the soul and bring the truth of Easter to life.
Whether you’re leading worship, curating an Easter playlist, or looking for personal inspiration, this list of 36 Easter hymns offers a rich variety of options to elevate your celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
FAQs About Easter Hymns
What are the most popular Easter hymns?
Some of the most widely sung include Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, He Lives, Thine Be the Glory, and Up from the Grave He Arose.
Can contemporary songs be considered Easter hymns?
Yes. Songs like Forever by Kari Jobe or Living Hope by Phil Wickham convey the Easter message just as powerfully in a modern style.
Are Easter hymns appropriate outside the Easter season?
Absolutely. Many Easter hymns speak to eternal truths that can inspire worship at any time of year.
