Dr. Hawn a professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology, shared the following insights into the background of this modern day worship song written in 1971. It is inspired by John 14:19
19 In a little while the world will no longer see me,
but you will see me; because I live,
you also will live.
and was one of the five most requested songs to be included in the UM Hymnal at that time.
The hymn starts where we started our reflections this week, at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. The second stanza reflects the hope a Christian having children in the ‘70s, that was the time of the Viet Nam war, social upheaval of values, and Watergate. The author was having a third child into a time of social chaos but hope could be found in the resurrection. The third stanza focuses on the eternal hope of heaven because of the resurrection.
“Because He Lives” was awarded the Gospel Song of the Year for 1974 by the Gospel Music Association and the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP). The Gaiters sang the song and added to its fame.
I’m sure that life at the time of the Romans was no worse than the world unrest in the 70s or the unrest we face today that is so readily broadcast on media. It is easy to question the wisdom of bringing children into this world. As the apostles and followers of Jesus huddled behind closed door that first Easter evening, they may not have sung this song to encourage their souls but there may have been another. I pray the lyrics encourage you as you face the uncertainties of tomorrow.
.
“Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow”
Dr. Hawn a professor of sacred music at Perkins School of Theology, shared the following insights into the background of this modern day worship song written in 1971. It is inspired by John 14:19
19 In a little while the world will no longer see me,
but you will see me; because I live,
you also will live.
and was one of the five most requested songs to be included in the UM Hymnal at that time.
The hymn starts where we started our reflections this week, at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. The second stanza reflects the hope a Christian having children in the ‘70s, that was the time of the Viet Nam war, social upheaval of values, and Watergate. The author was having a third child into a time of social chaos but hope could be found in the resurrection. The third stanza focuses on the eternal hope of heaven because of the resurrection.
“Because He Lives” was awarded the Gospel Song of the Year for 1974 by the Gospel Music Association and the American Society of Composers and Publishers (ASCAP). The Gaiters sang the song and added to its fame.
I’m sure that life at the time of the Romans was no worse than the world unrest in the 70s or the unrest we face today that is so readily broadcast on media. It is easy to question the wisdom of bringing children into this world. As the apostles and followers of Jesus huddled behind closed door that first Easter evening, they may not have sung this song to encourage their souls but there may have been another. I pray the lyrics encourage you as you face the uncertainties of tomorrow.
.
On the Way to Wonder 