Because He Lives
Songwriters: William and Gloria Gaither (1971)
Published by: © 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. All rights controlled by Gaither Copyright Management.
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John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
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Gloria Gaither–
Gloria Lee Sickal, born March 4, 1942 in Michigan to Pastor Lee and Dorothy Sickal, was a multi-talented individual who attended Anderson University in Indiana. After a career as a French teacher, she married Bill Gaither in 1962 and began writing songs together. They formed the Bill Gaither Trio in the 1960s.
Gaither, a renowned writer and narrator, has been involved in the Gaither Homecoming series since its inception in 2002. She holds a Master of Arts in Literature from Ball State University and has taught at Anderson University.
William Gaither–
American singer-songwriter of Southern gospel and modern Christian music, William James Gaither was born on March 28th, 1936. Together with his wife Gloria, he co-wrote a number of well-known Christian songs. He is also well-known for his work with the Gaither Vocal Band (GVB) and the Bill Gaither Trio.
Bill Gaither and his wife, Gloria, have written many songs including: “The Longer I Serve Him,” “Because He Lives,” “The King Is Coming,” “Sinner Saved By Grace”, “Something Beautiful,” “He Touched Me”, “It Is Finished,” “Jesus, There’s Something About That Name” “I’m Gonna Sing”, and “Let’s Just Praise The Lord.” Their songs have been performed by many popular artists.
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Hymn History:
“‘Because he lives’ [1971] was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write:
‘How sweet to hold our newborn baby,
And feel the pride, and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
this child can face uncertain day because He lives.’”
Today, “Because He Lives” has become a personal gift for Christians around the world. Of all the hundreds of songs written by the Gaithers, it’s the only one that has been translated into every language.
BECAUSE HE LIVES ❤️
God sent His son
They called Him Jesus
He came to love
Heal and forgive
He bled 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 is worth the living
Just because He lives
Listen to this beautiful hymn- https://bit.ly/41b0vtw
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References:
1. https://hymnary.org/person/Gaither_G
2. https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/because-he-lives/
3. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-because-he-lives
4. https://worshipleader.com/worship-culture/story-behind-the-song-because-he-lives/
