One of the best ways to think and meditate on the events of Christ’s passion is through music. Unfortunately many of our favorite artists, who would not hesitate to do a Christmas album have never even thought of doing an Easter album. But again this year I’ve compiled a playlist for myself, and I share it with you in the hope that one or more of these songs will bless the season for you.
For those with iTunes, I’ve created an iMix that will allow you to purchase some (or all) of these songs. I’ve also created individual links to the albums on Amazon the first time the album is mentioned.
The first two items are kind of an instrumental introduction, both taken from the fantastic sound track to the full length movie of The Gospel of John
For God So Loved the World
The Gospel of John, Jeff Danna
Here Comes Your King
The Gospel of John, Jeff Danna
Next we focus a bit on the Triumphal Entry. The first song is taken from Michael Card’s album of ‘children’s music’, the second from Andrew Peterson’s Resurrection Letters: Volume II. There was no volume I: this album is focused on the impact of the resurrection on our lives.
Hosanna
Close Your Eyes So You Can See, Michael Card
Hosanna
Resurrection Letters: Volume II, Andrew Peterson
The next few songs reflect on the Passover meal. Andrew Peterson looks back to the events of Egypt, while Leeland looks at the impact on our lives.
Passover Us
Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tall Tale of the Christ, Andrew Peterson
Carried to the Table
Sound of Melodies, Leeland
Andrew Peterson’s version of Michael Card’s Silence of God takes us to the Garden
The Silence of God
Love & Thunder, Andrew Peterson
The next several songs take us to the foot of the cross:
Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted
Night of Your Return, Fernando Ortega
The Power of the Cross
New Irish Hymns #4: Hymns for the Life of the Church, Margaret Becker, Kristyn Getty
There Is Power In the Blood
The Shadow of Your Wings, Fernando Ortega
Beneath the Cross
New Irish Hymns #4: Hymns for the Life of the Church, Margaret Becker, Kristyn Getty
A New and Living Way
Soul Anchor, Michael Card
But the cross and the grave are not the end of the story. Here are three very different reflections on the meaning and power of the resurrection. Keith Green looks at Jesus’ victory. Andrew Peterson looks at it another way, in the genre of the old film Western. Steven Curtis Chapman, while reflecting on the death of his daughter, shows the hope that we all have because of the resurrection.
The Victor
No Compromise, Keith Green
High Noon
Love & Thunder, Andrew Peterson
Beauty Will Rise
Beauty Will Rise, Steven Curtis Chapman
The sacrifice and resurrection of Christ changes everything:
Arise, My Soul, Arise
Sanctuary, Twila Paris
All Things New
Resurrection Letters: Volume II, Andrew Peterson
Non Nobis Domine
Henry V, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Finally, my playlist this year includes the following excerpts from the Messiah, which I believe are the ones the choir is working on for our various services:
Behold the Lamb of God
Lift Up Your Heads
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
Since by Man Came Death
Hallelujah
Worthy Is the Lamb… Amen
