The late 1960s were dark days for Bill and Gloria Gaither.
Both of them were struggling with health problems, and Gloria was pregnant with
their third child. The world around them was swirling with news of the Vietnam
War, civil unrest, the drug culture, and violence in the streets. Was this any
kind of world in which to raise a family?
Discouraged and disheartened, they looked for signs of hope.
One day in the spring, Bill walked out of his office to inspect a newly paved
parking area. Construction workers had covered it with several coats of
asphalt. Bill was satisfied with the job that was done, but as he turned, he
noticed a tiny blade of grass poking through the layers of rock and tar to
reach into the sunlight.
In early summer the baby was born, and when Bill and Gloria
brought their child home, they wrote this song of joy, remembering the environment.
More important, they remembered that their baby could indeed face uncertain
days because Christ lives.
Scriptures: John 14:29; Ephesians 2:4-7; Philippians 3:10
Themes: Hope, Easter, Resurrection
Lyrics of the Hymn:
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 is worth the living just because He lives.
How sweet to hold a new-born baby,
And feel the pride, and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days 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.
By WILLIAM J. (B. 1936) AND GLORIA GAITHER (B. 1942) © 1971
William J. Gaither, Inc. All rights controlled by Gaither Copyright Management.
Used by permission.
Credit/Reference for Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 594).
Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
