Because of a problem I have with my hearing, a problem I have always had, music gives me a terrible headache. Some instruments are worse than others and some, like a regular guitar, are not so bad. Because of that I have become a lyric person. If I concentrate on the lyrics of a song, I can almost block out the music. Often times this makes me really interested in why the song was written and what the author was thinking.

          This past Sunday (September 20, 2020) The Dotson Family singing group came to our church and presented a concert. (the video is at http://urbanayokeparish.com/worship-videos  please excuse the blurriness) During the concert, the Dotson’s sang several original songs that John, husband and father, had written, but they also sang a few that others had penned. One such, and one of my favorites because of the words, was ‘Because He Lives,’ by Bill and Gloria Gaither. I have long wanted to write the story of this timeless song and the Dotson’s singing it has sparked my thoughts, so this is that song.

          In 1969 a turbulent decade was drawing to a close. Racial unrest and riots were causing cities to burn. The Vietnam War was sparking violent uprisings on college campuses. Some really smart person (or stupid person, depending on your perspective) had created the Doomsday Clock to keep track of how close we were to nuclear destruction. President Kennedy had been assassinated, then Martin Luther King was assassinated and then President Kennedy’s brother, Robert, was assassinated. The drug culture took hold and the whole decade made the future look very, very bleak. Much like now, actually.

          On New Year’s Eve, Gloria Gaither sat at home, pregnant with their third child. She was feeling that special agony that a mother feels when she considers the wisdom of bringing another child into a world gone mad. As she sat there with feelings of misgivings running through her soul, a sudden calmness came over her. She felt the peace of God that is beyond understanding. She knew it was in His hands and that it would all be OK.

          Later she related the incident to her husband, Bill, and in 1970 the hymn ‘Because He Lives’ was published.

          A breakdown of the words causes us to see that pregnant mother, sitting in deep thought and fear, gradually coming to peace with her God.

          ‘God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,’ Gloria, God loves you so much that He sent His Son to save your soul. And they called Him Jesus, which means ‘Jehovah is Salvation!’ He can handle this, Gloria! Listen more! ‘He came to love, heal and forgive.’ For you, young mother. He loves you, will bring healing and He will forgive this momentary falter of your faith. After all, young mother, ‘He lived and died to buy your pardon,’ so He must surely love you if He gave His life for you. And, young mother, He didn’t stay dead but now sits on God’s right hand to tell the Father that we are redeemed. ‘An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.’

          And, young mother, you will soon feel that special pleasure again. ‘How sweet to hold a newborn baby.’ Remember how wonderful it is to hold that child, Gloria? You will hold another very soon! Oh, Gloria, all that special feeling awaits. ‘And feel the pride and joy he gives.’ Yes, young mother! On this cold, Indiana winter night it feels overwhelming, ‘But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain days, because He lives!’

          And Gloria, He has all this under control. Not just this, either, young mother, but He has all of it handled until that day you leave this world. One day, when these little ones that fill your life now have little ones of their own, even grown ones of their own, and your time is drawing to a close, our Lord has it all covered! 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 s way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns!

          New Year’s Eve in Indiana is always cold. Often the wind will rattle the windows. We see a very pregnant lady sitting alone with her thoughts, maybe a cup of tea. There in a dim room, still with the trappings of Christmas around her, she ponders a future that is bleak. She is very soon to have a child and she has two others that also have to grow up in a lost world. Deep, abiding concern makes her heart heavy. And then a strange, complete calmness comes over her. The fear gives way. This deep truth fills her soul….

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

          Because He lives, we have this day and all the others to follow.