Because He Lives

Last week at my cousin's wife's memorial service, we sang the hymn "Because He Lives." Like the song "How Great Thou Art" (that was sung at Ross' Gramma's funeral earlier this year), I have played "Because He Lives" on the piano and sung it countless times before this service. This time, though, I wasn't really singing the words, but more so reading them and thinking about the meaning of the song.

I haven't heard the second verse as much as the first and third, and really keyed in on it. I love how it talks about a new born baby and that this baby can face life because Jesus lives. And the third verse, talking about going home to be with Jesus and death giving way to victory. This song kind of sums up life with Jesus:  if you know Jesus, life might be hard, but you can get through it because He is there for you. I thought this was such a great song to sing at a memorial service. I have the lyrics listed below. Take a few minutes to read them and really think about the meaning of the song.

God sent his son, they called him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove
My Savior lives

Because he lives I can face tomorrow
Because he lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life and is worth the living
Just because he lives

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

Because he lives I can face tomorrow
Because he lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life and is worth the living
Just because he lives

And then one day I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then as death gives way to victory
I'll see the lights of glory and
I'll know he lives

Because he lives I can face tomorrow
Because he lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life and is worth the living
Just because he lives