Music Minute: Resurrection Edition

Jen here, skipping over pop music this time to bring you a Music Minute that's all about...you guessed it...Easter music.

Before I do, though, I'd like to say a few words about tradition. Did you know that the Bible actually says that people can get so wrapped up in tradition, they forget what God actually said? See Mark 7. A good example of this was the Old Testament law given to the Israelites to point the way to Jesus (according to Galatians 3:24, it was our guardian until Christ came to justify us by faith). By the time of Jesus, the law had ceased to mean anything to them other than a set of rules to keep. They didn't realize that the law was important, but it wasn't the point.

Traditions can make things cloudy. It was hard for the Israelites to see Jesus as anything but a lawbreaker because they were so focused on the law, it was hard to see God. Maybe your church has an Easter play or a sunrise service or even an egg hunt for the little kids. And by all means go to these and enjoy them, but remember what they point to—Jesus' resurrection. Don't let traditions (like the tasty Easter dinner you'll have after church) cloud the real reason you're there. Jesus dying and being resurrected mean something very important to the Christian, right? Try to keep that in the front of your mind this week.

Three ways to celebrate Christ's resurrection through music:

1. Listen to some old-school hymns. In my ongoing quest to get y'all to learn, memorize, and know some hymns, first up is a list of Easter-related hymns. (Remember, just because music is older doesn't mean it's no good. Hymns are full of sound theology and can be a great source of comfort, truth, and strength.) I've chosen contemporary arrangements of these songs because I want you to hear them apart from what you might have heard your whole life in church.

Classic hymns for Easter you should know, in no particular order:
• "Down at the Cross" - I love this version by MercyMe's Bart Millard. Hymns don't have to sound old!
• "There Is Power in the Blood" - A version by Mahalia Jackson that might give you chills.
• "The Old Rugged Cross" - Brad Paisley's version makes this old spiritual sound timeless and brand-new at the same time.
• "There Is A Fountain"- Maybe a little slower than you're used to, but give this pretty arrangement by Selah a spin.

2. Give Handel's Messiah a spin. Yes, this classical oratorio is traditionally played at Christmastime, but Handel actually intended it to be played at Easter. It premiered in April of 1742 and traces the life of Christ from prophecy through the Resurrection (THAT is what the Hallelujah chorus is about). To listen to Messiah online, you'll need about two hours. Click this link, then click the red "Listen: Handel's Messiah" icon. After a brief advert, the music will play, from start to finish. The words can be found here. You will be surprised at how few words there are.

For this column's previous look at Messiah, click here.

3. Check out these great worship songs, including some old-school favorites:
• The Good Confession (I Believe) - Andrew Peterson: ec editor Mandy says: "It's not an Easter song per se, but it comes at the end of his record Resurrection Letters, Vol. II, and reminds me of the moment I first believed, why it's important to confess Jesus as the Messiah, and the power He can and wants to display in my life."
• "Awesome God" - this worship classic was originally sung by Rich Mullins, but we love this Michael W. Smith tribute.
• Take a minute and listen to this Stuart Townend EP, and pay special attention to "How Deep the Father's Love Is" (a favorite of ec editor Mandy)
• In Christ Alone - Keith and Kristyn Getty: this song (written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty) is a favorite of ec production editor Emily.