He Is Risen! 15 Easter Songs for Church Worship
The stone rolled away, the tomb was vacant, and the course of history forever changed. That first Easter morning, the world woke up to a new reality: death conquered, sin vanquished, and hope reborn.
The church has been commemorating this significant occasion ever since through music that shouts out triumph and sings salvation. Whether your heart yearns for classic hymns or you feed on the new-age fervor of fresh worship songs, this collection of Easter songs for church will empower your worship service through the truth of resurrection.
Let’s make Easter 2025 extra special with these lively songs!
Traditional Easter Songs for Church Worship
These classic hymns have been sung in church for centuries, beautifully relating the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Their rich wording and timeless tunes make them an Easter service staple.
1. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” – Charles Wesley
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
This 1739 hymn, composed by Charles Wesley, is perhaps the most well-known Easter hymn. The repetition of “Alleluia” throughout the song creates a celebratory and triumphant mood for the tune and is a perfect choice to start an Easter service.
YouTube Link: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
2. “Thine Be the Glory” – Handel
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;
Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won!
Written to the melody of Handel’s Judas Maccabeus, this hymn commemorates Christ’s triumph over death. Its uplifting tune has made it a favorite Easter hymn around the world.
YouTube Link: Thine Be the Glory
3. “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done” – Traditional
The strife is o’er, the battle done;
The victory of life is won;
The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!
A powerful hymn from the 17th century, this hymn proclaims Christ’s triumph in a reflective yet triumphant way. The refrain “Alleluia” is repeated, making it a perfect hymn for Easter Sunday.
YouTube Link: The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
4. “Up from the Grave He Arose” – Robert Lowry
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day, Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes!
This Easter hymn strongly contrasts the sorrow of Christ’s burial with the victorious chorus celebrating His resurrection. The change in melody renders it particularly effective in an Easter service.
YouTube Link: Up from the Grave He Arose
5. “Because He Lives” – Bill & Gloria Gaither
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
A heartfelt hymn proclaiming that there is hope because Jesus is alive. With the belief that Christ rose from the dead, the song has been a staple of Easter worship for decades.
YouTube Link: Because He Lives
Modern Easter Songs for Church
These new worship songs are a fresh but very meaningful articulation of the message of resurrection. They are perfectly suited for modern church services.
6. “Living Hope” – Phil Wickham
Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free!
Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me!
One of the strongest contemporary worship songs, “Living Hope” narrates the resurrection of Jesus through poetic words and a heartbreaking melody. Its build-up and dramatic chorus make it a popular Easter hymn.
YouTube Link: Living Hope
7. “King of Kings” – Hillsong Worship
Praise the Father, Praise the Son,
Praise the Spirit, Three in One!
This song follows the entire gospel story, ending with Christ’s resurrection. The intelligence and development of the lyrics make it a reflective addition to any Easter playlist.
YouTube Link: King of Kings
8. “Glorious Day” – Passion (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
You called my name, and I ran out of that grave!
Out of the darkness, into Your glorious day!
This energetic worship song focuses on the believer’s journey from death to life. Then, it merges into a celebration of the resurrection through beautiful lyrics and an uptempo beat.
YouTube Link: Glorious Day
9. “Resurrecting” – Elevation Worship
By Your Spirit, I will rise from the ashes of defeat
The resurrected King is resurrecting me!
This deeply reverent song documents the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus. The lyrics inform us that the same power that raised Christ from the grave lives in believers today.
YouTube Link: Resurrecting
10. “O Praise the Name (Anástasis)” – Hillsong Worship
O praise the Name of the Lord our God!
O praise His Name forevermore!
A cinematic Easter worship song telling the story of the crucifixion, resurrection, and second coming of Christ. Eventually, it builds to an epic declaration of praise.
YouTube Link: O Praise the Name (Anástasis)
11. “Death Was Arrested” – North Point Worship
Oh, Your grace so free washes over me!
You have made me new, now life begins with You!
This song paints a powerful picture of the transformation that is realized because of Christ’s victory over death. The lyrics beautifully trace grace and redemption.
YouTube Link: Death Was Arrested
Children’s Easter Songs for Church
These upbeat and playful Easter songs are great for children’s church or family worship.
12. “Risen for Me” – Angie Killian & Monica Scott
He is risen for me!
Now my heart will sing!
A cheerful song that will help children understand and glorify the resurrection of Jesus.
YouTube Link: Risen for Me
13. “Jesus Is Alive” – Yancy
Jesus is alive!
He’s risen, He’s risen!
A lively and cheerful song that captures the spirit of Easter, and thus ideal for children’s worship.
YouTube Link: Jesus Is Alive
14. “Happy Day” – Tim Hughes
Oh, happy day, happy day!
You washed my sin away!
Oh, happy day, happy day!
I’ll never be the same!
A joyful song proclaiming the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. Great for children and youth.
YouTube Link: Happy Day
15. “Hosanna Rock” – Yancy & Friends
Everybody praise the Lord!
Wave your hands in the air, shout “Hosanna!”
An upbeat Easter worship song that makes it exciting for children to worship and celebrate with movement.
YouTube Link: Hosanna Rock
Well beyond the final chord ringing and the final “Amen” on our lips, Easter’s reality stands: the tomb is empty, and Jesus reigns. The hymns we sing today are merely the sound of salvation.
Whether we sing it with the sacred reverence or the live energy of modern worship, let Easter songs for church be a call to remember that resurrection is not something we sing about; it’s something we live.
