The Resurrection Hymn (See, What a Morning)

“The Resurrection Hymn,” widely known by its opening line “See What a Morning,” is one of the most influential modern hymns celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2003, the hymn stands as a clear, Scripture-saturated proclamation of Easter truth, combining narrative clarity with deep theological reflection. From its opening phrase, the hymn places the singer at the empty tomb, inviting the church to behold the dawning of resurrection morning and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

The text unfolds in a carefully structured progression. The first stanza focuses on the historical event itself, the stone rolled away, the grave clothes left behind, and the angelic announcement that Christ is risen. This is not treated as poetic imagination, but as a real moment in time that altered history forever. The resurrection is presented as the decisive victory of God, validating Christ’s atoning work and confirming Him as Lord over sin and death.

The following stanzas move from the event to its meaning for believers. The risen Christ is shown as the One who appears to His disciples, calling them by name and restoring their hope. The hymn echoes the biblical emphasis that the resurrection brings assurance, forgiveness, and new life. In language drawn directly from passages such as Romans 6 and 1 Corinthians 15, the text affirms that Christ’s resurrection is inseparable from the believer’s justification and future resurrection.

A defining strength of this hymn is its final emphasis on mission and response. The resurrection is not only something to be celebrated, but something to be proclaimed. The closing lines call the church to live in the power of the risen Christ and to bear witness to the gospel until He returns. In this way, the hymn unites doctrine, devotion, and discipleship.

“The Resurrection Hymn” has become a staple in Easter worship across denominations, valued for its singable melody, rich biblical content, and Christ-centered focus. It stands firmly in the tradition of classic resurrection hymns while speaking with a fresh voice to the modern church, reminding believers that the living Christ is both the heart of the gospel and the hope of eternal life.