It’s Holy Weekend, and it’s a time of reflection and worship for billions of Christians all over the globe. As we commemorate and celebrate the weekend, music is a big part of holidays, especially for musical people like me.
Here’s a sampling of songs that speak to me about this special weekend. I tried to steer clear of the tried-and-true older hymns because you can find them everywhere. Instead, some of these may be off-the-beaten-path choices, but I hope you’ll enjoy them and find them meaningful.
Let’s start off by remembering what this weekend is all about:
Of course, Good Friday marks the day that Jesus was crucified. We should always be grateful for the blood that He shed for our sins.
In the early ‘90s, Derri Daugherty and Steve Hindalong of the seminal Christian alt-rock group The Choir assembled groups of friends to record a pair of song cycles called At the Foot of the Cross. Both albums are wonderful, but only Vol. 2 applies directly to Good Friday. I couldn’t find a playlist of just Vol. 2, so enjoy both collections.
The crucifixion is about atonement for our sins and Jesus taking the place that we so heavily deserved for our misdeeds. Christian reggae singer Avion Blackman sang about it.
And a Southern rock song about penal substitutionary atonement? Yes, please.
Brooke Ligertwood has a new album coming out next month, and the first single, “Even Death on a Cross!” is Philippians 2:6-11 set in the form of an art-pop song. It’s straight-up scripture, and it’s wonderful. I can’t wait for the whole album.
Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection were the culmination of God’s plan of salvation for those who call on His name. He deserves the glory and praise forever.
Sometimes we just need to tell him, “Thank You.”
And on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave. Hallelujah!
Because He’s alive, we’re alive!
And that should lead us to give Him praise.
Have a blessed Holy Weekend. I hope these songs can help enhance your commemoration of the greatest event in history.
