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Song: Because He Lives

John 14:16-31
Yet a little while, and the
world seeth me no more; but ye see me:
because I live, ye shall live also.

I dare say that there is not a Southern Gospel Music fan on the face of the earth who has not heard a song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. More and more millions of Americans and people of other countries are now coming to love Southern Gospel, and most of them can name more than one Gaither song. The Gaither Homecoming Concerts and Videos are the primary purpose. One of the best known of the songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither is the subject of this story.

When both were single and teaching in the same high school they met and began to share ideas about songs. Gloria, the English major in college, would become in later years the predominant writter of the lyrics in their songs, while Bill’s forte was the musical setting. Bill had also earned a Master’s Degree that allowed him to become the head of the English department of their high school. The joint efforts, that had its beginning in that school, blossomed into the most prolific husband and wife songwriting team of modern times.

Bill and Gloria wrote their first song together some forty years ago. Their songs, almost without fail start with an idea. Bill, on most occasions, would write a music setting with an idea in mind and then Gloria, using the same idea would write the words. Gloria revealed in her book, Because He Lives, that on some occasions the whole lyric would come to her, to which Bill alone or with a co-writer would write the music. They have now written some 600 songs, produced sixty recordings and several musicals. Both are authors or co-authors of several books.

One of the most admirable characteristic of the Gaithers is their desire to be of assistance to other songwriters and musicians, especially the very young. I have been interviewing songwriters for more than forty years and on several occasions young people have recounted to me their experiences with Bill and Gloria. At least one young teenager, who is a famous songwriter and musician today, just showed up unannounced at their home one afternoon in Alexandria. He was invited to come in and stay for supper. During the course of the evening he was greatly encouraged.

Of late, many of the older singers and songwriters who had all but gone into retirement are now back out on the road singing from one to church to another and from one Homecoming Concert to the next -- thanks to Bill and Gloria. The Gaithers have co-written with scores of songwriters, in their home, in their studio there in their Indiana town, or in some other location. It is a boost to any songwriter to have his name appear at the top of a music selection as a co-writer with Bill and Gloria.

Now for the story behind Because He Lives. In the late 1960s, while expecting their third child, the Gaithers were going through a rather traumatic time in their lives. Bill was recovering from a bout with mononucleosis. They and other members in their church family were the objects of false accusations and belittlement. It was a special time of fear and torment for Gloria. The thought of bringing another child into this world with all of the craziness, was taking its toll on her.

She remembers that on New Year’s Eve she was sitting in their living room, in agony and fear. The educational system was being infiltrated with the “God is dead” idea, while drug abuse and racial tension were increasing. Then suddenly and quite unexpectedly, she was filled with a sweet, calming peace. It was as if her Heavenly Father, like an attentive mother bending over her baby, saw His Gloria and came to her rescue. The panic gave way to a calmness and an assurance that only the Lord can give. She was assured that the future would be just fine, left in God’s hands.

Both Bill and Gloria remembered that the power of the blessed Holy Spirit seem to come to their aide. Christ’s resurrection, in all of its power, was reaffirmed in their lives and their thinking. To Gloria it was “Life conquering death” in their daily lives. Joy once again dominated the fearful circumstances of the day.
All of this gave rise to one of the most famous Southern Gospel songs of our time, Because He Lives. The first verse is a presentation of the Gospel of Christ, reminding us of His death, burial and resurrection. In the second verse we see the life of a new baby and sense the assurance that Christ alone can give. The little one can have a victorious life, because Christ lives.

We can face tomorrow, with all of the uncertainty that it brings, as we realize that God holds the future and makes life worth living for all who trust in Him.

Reflection:
As we remember Christ’s resurrection we gain assurance and strength to overcome the frightening obstacles of life. It is also very meaninful and empowering to realize that Jesus lives, every single day, in our hearts.

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