Because He Lives

“Because He Lives” was written in 1971 by Bill and Gloria Gaither during a season of deep cultural unrest. War, political assassinations, and social upheaval dominated the headlines as they prepared to welcome their third child into the world. Holding their newborn son, they felt both the joy of new life and the weight of an uncertain future. In that moment, the truth of the risen Christ steadied their hearts. Out of that tension came the words, “How sweet to hold our newborn baby… but greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days because He lives.” The hymn was born not from sentimentality, but from a settled confidence in the Resurrection.

Gloria Gaither, born March 4, 1942, is a Christian songwriter, author, speaker, editor, and academic. She sang alongside her husband in the Bill Gaither Trio, one of the most influential groups in recent Christian music. Bill Gaither, born March 28, 1936, is a singer and songwriter of Southern gospel and contemporary Christian music who has written numerous beloved songs with Gloria. In addition to the Bill Gaither Trio, he later performed with the Gaither Vocal Band, and his ministry saw renewed influence in the 1990s through the widely loved Gaither Homecoming series. Together, their work has consistently centered on the hope found in Christ.

The hymn itself begins at the empty tomb and rests fully on the historical reality of Easter morning. The second stanza brings the power of the Resurrection into the home, declaring that our children can face uncertain days because Jesus lives. The final stanza lifts our eyes to eternity, where we will see Him in glory and know that He reigns. “Because He Lives” continues to endure because it ties every fear, every joy, and every unknown tomorrow to the living Christ. It reminds us that the Resurrection is not only a past event, but the sure foundation for a life worth living today.

The couple have written many other songs including: "The Longer I Serve Him," "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." His songs have been performed by Christian artists (David Crowder Band, Carman, The Imperials, Sandi Patty, The Cathedral Quartet, The Speers and the Heritage Singers), country singers (The Statler Brothers), and pop artists (Elvis Presley).