easter hymns

i love my church. i love the pastor and his messages. i love the people who go there. i love the contemporary music. i love that we love Jesus.

but what i miss sometimes are the traditions i grew up with. esp on occassions like Easter. i grew up in a Methodist church and every Easter we would have a sunrise service followed by a pancake b'fast the mens group would make. then during the church service the choir would do special music. my dad was in the choir and i loved watching and listening to him sing.

whenever i think of Easter songs there are two that immediatly pop up in my mind: The Old Rugged Cross and He Lives. i'm pretty sure we sang these hymns every Easter. it just wouldnt be the same without them.

The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard, 1873-1958

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
 the emblem of suffering and shame;
 and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
 for a world of lost sinners was slain.

Refrain:
 So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
 till my trophies at last I lay down;
 I will cling to the old rugged cross,
 and exchange it some day for a crown.

 O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
 has a wondrous attraction for me;
 for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
 to bear it to dark Calvary.
 (Refrain)

 In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
 a wondrous beauty I see,
 for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
 to pardon and sanctify me.
 (Refrain)

 To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
 its shame and reproach gladly bear;
 then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
 where his glory forever I'll share.

He Lives by Alfred H. Ackley, 1933

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.