Because He Lives

The story of this hymn

Gloria and Bill Gaither wrote this in 1971, on the far side of a hard season: Bill had been through a long illness, the world felt unsteady, and they had wondered whether it was right to bring another child into it. Their son arrived safely — the second verse holds that memory of a newborn — and the resurrection became their answer to the fear. Named Gospel Song of the Year in 1974, its final verse, which looks death in the eye, is why families choose it.

Where it sits in the service

Most often sung after the tributes or the sermon, where its assurance can do its work, though it closes a service strongly too. Families frequently ask for the final verse to be taken slowly. Print the authors' names with the title, and note in the programme whether all three verses will be sung so nobody sits down early.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — Because He Lives” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

A modern hymn that older and younger congregations both know, which is unusual and useful at a service where the family spans generations. The refrain does the work. It suits a service of hope and is often chosen where a child or a young person has died, for the line about facing tomorrow.

Printing the words

In copyright — hence a guide rather than the text. Most churches hold a CCLI licence covering reprints in an order of service; ask the office whether this one is on theirs.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.