See, the Destined Day Arise
Theology & Meaning
Keith and Kristyn Getty's Easter hymn follows the sunrise of resurrection morning through the theological lenses of the New Testament witnesses — from the darkness of crucifixion through the silence of the tomb to the shattering announcement of resurrection. The song works through the Easter narrative with the attention to textual detail characteristic of Getty's compositional philosophy, ensuring that the joy of the final verse is earned by the honest reckoning with the suffering and death that preceded it. The 'destined day' of the title frames resurrection not as unexpected reversal but as the fulfillment of a divine plan that was always going to arrive.
Worship Leadership Tips
This is among the finest new Easter hymns of the past two decades and works beautifully for Easter Sunday services where you want the resurrection to be celebrated with theological depth as well as joy. It pairs naturally with Matthew 28 or 1 Corinthians 15 as a framing text, and the verse-by-verse movement through the Easter narrative makes it suitable for use as a processional or as a structured act of remembrance. In congregations with strong Getty literacy, this song will be immediately welcomed.
Arrangement Tips
The hymn-like structure rewards a full but dignified arrangement. Piano and full band entering by the first chorus create appropriate celebratory weight. The tempo should be confident and joyful without being rushed — Getty hymns benefit from a steady, strong feel rather than an urgent one. If you have brass instruments available, Easter morning is the occasion to use them; a trumpet line through the final verse communicates the triumph of the resurrection in the most natural way possible.
Scripture References
- Matthew 28:1-7
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
- Romans 6:9
- Colossians 2:15