Easter Countdown: 8) See What A Morning (Townend/Getty)

At number 8, See What A Morning, written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty and performed here by Keith and Kristyn Getty with their touring band.

(Spoiler Alert) This is one of three Getty/Townend songs in the countdown! About six years ago I began to discover and enjoy the songs by these inspired hymnwriters. I couldn't believe that hymns like 'In Christ Alone' and 'There Is A Higher Throne' had been written so recently, as they contain all the language and dignity of many of the ancient hymns. I believe that the best hymns and worship songs are completely saturated with Scripture and the Majesty of God - this is so definitely the case with everything that Stuart Townend and the Getty's write and perform.

Kristyn Getty (nee Lennox) is the niece of one of my favourite living Christian writers and speakers, Professor John C. Lennox. Professor Lennox is an Oxford Mathematics lecturer and also a wonderful Christian apologist. I will be reviewing some of his books in the months ahead, hopefully including his newest book, "Where is God in a Coronavirus world?", due out soon.

This hymn displays so perfectly the joy and triumph of Easter Sunday, the resurrection morning. Jesus' followers had witnessed the dreadful agony of the Lord's suffering on the cross. He had been taken down and laid in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. The Lord of the Sabbath remained in the grave for the whole Sabbath day, but I love to think that the Lord didn't remain any longer in the grave than necessary - at the break of dawn He was already risen from the grave. The heavy stone was rolled away and the grave-clothes were empty and folded as a witness to all who entered that they were not needed any more. The Lord of life had risen, never to die again. But of course you can imagine Mary's distress at seeing the empty tomb and making the assumption that somebody had defiled it by taking Jesus' body away. Her grief was quickly turned to joy as Jesus appeared to her and entrusted her with relaying the news to His disciples.

We too can be filled with the same joy. Christ's death on the cross has dealt with the question of our sins and distance from God, but because He lives we have a wonderful hope in Him. We are raised with Him and we shall reign with Him, for the eternal glory of God. Praise Him!

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See what a morning, gloriously bright With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem; Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light, As the angels announce Christ is risen! See God’s salvation plan, wrought in love, Borne in pain, paid in sacrifice, Fulfilled in Christ, the Man,

For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

See Mary weeping: ‘Where is He laid?' As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb; Hears a voice speaking, calling her name: It’s the Master, the Lord raised to life again! The voice that spans the years, Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us, Will sound till He appears, For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days, Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty, Honour and blessing, glory and praise To the King crowned with power and authority! And we are raised with Him, Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered; And we shall reign with Him, For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!