The Greatest Gift – He’s Risen
We can be born again.
In 1974, Annie Herring wrote one of the most beloved songs of the 20th century, ‘Easter Song.’
In an article written for Discipleship Ministries, the author wrote, “According to Annie, Easter Song came about in the spring, around Easter time. She was sitting in front of the piano, and she said to Jesus, ‘You know, Father, I would really like to have a present.’ He answered her, ‘All right, here’s a present.’ And He gave her “Easter Song.”
Though the song, ‘Easter Song’ is an amazing present, the real gift is what the song is declaring. “Joy to the world He is risen, Hallelujah!” It is the reminder that because Jesus Christ died then rose from the dead we now have everlasting life when we believe.
Easter Song musically restates the account read in Matthew 28:5-7:
5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.”
EASTER SONG
By Annie Herring
Hear the bells ringing they’re singing
That we can be born again
Hear the bells ringing they’re singing
Christ is risen from the dead
The angel upon the tombstone said
He is risen just as He said
Quickly now go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the world
He is risen alleluia
He’s risen alleluia
He’s risen alleluia alleluia
We often sing the words “Joy to the world” around Christmas time as we remember the gift God gave by sending his Son into the world. But what a beautiful gift of song that extends the joy of Christ’s birth to the celebration of His resurrection. There is an irony though, not that a song we sing to celebrate Christ’s birth was used to celebrate his resurrection, but that the original, “Joy to the world” was actually written about the second coming of Jesus. That joyous hope of when he returns to receive his children unto Himself. As John 14:1-3 states:
1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Joy to the world, He is risen, Hallelujah!
