“I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name forever.” – Psalm 86:12
Few people have influenced modern Christian music as much as Bill and Gloria Gaither. Since 1962, Bill and Gloria have written and performed music for countless audiences around the world. They have written many modern classics such as, “He Touched Me,” “The King is Coming,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” Bill and Gloria Gaither have written over 700 songs together in their 59 years of marriage. Their music has helped so many people sing their praise and gratitude to God.
When asked about their ministry of music, Bill and Gloria say, “Our calling is not just making music, but communicating the reality of Christ. That might mean birthing a song about Him or simply offering a cup of cold water to someone who needs it… if we have done anything right over the years, I hope we have built bridges where people could connect with God and with each other. That is what started us writing and what will keep us going for the rest of our lives.” The Gaithers have blessed so many by using their gift of music and sharing what they know about the love and hope of God.
One of the most memorable hymns written by Bill and Gloria Gaither is, “Because He Lives.” It’s hard to find a hymnal that does not include this powerful hymn of praise. This song was written during a difficult and dark time. In 1971, the news was filled with terrorism in Europe, specifically the IRA in England and Ireland. The Charles Mansion trials, the Vietnam War, the march on D.C., racial unrest, and the war on drugs were just some of the news stories from 1971. At the same time Bill and Gloria experience the birth of their third child. Because of their faith in Christ, they were able to write:
How sweet to hold our newborn baby,
And feel the pride, and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain days because he lives.”
It is from an ever-growing faith and a desire to share the love and hope of God with the world that Bill and Gloria Gaither write their music. They have helped countless people sing praise and thanksgiving to God. “Because He Lives” is a hymn that reminds us there is nothing in this world greater than the love of God. At times, the darkest days seem overwhelming, but God’s love shines in the darkness and gives us reason to sing praise to God. When we take time to express our gratitude to God, we realize that our worry, our fear, and our anxiety decrease. We realize that “life is worth the living because He lives.”
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
