Choosing Songs for the End-of-Life Journey: Finding Comfort, Hope, and Connection

There are few moments in life as tender and sacred as being at the bedside of a loved one who is nearing the end of their journey. In those precious moments, when words fail and emotions overwhelm, music has a way of connecting our souls and expressing what words cannot.

I had the privilege of experiencing this firsthand when my grandfather was on his deathbed. As his senses began to fade, his hearing remained, and so we gathered around him, praying, reading Scripture, and singing songs of worship. It was a time of deep intimacy with both my grandfather and with God, as we surrendered him into the arms of his Savior.

In reflecting on that profound experience, I have come to realize the power and significance of choosing the right songs for such a moment. The songs we sang at my grandfather's bedside held a special meaning and helped us focus on Christ, his sacrifice, and the hope we have in him. In this article, I want to share with you four key aspects to consider when choosing songs for the end-of-life journey, and offer some examples from Scripture and hymns that capture these aspects.

1. Songs of Christ's Sacrifice and Victory

When faced with the reality of death, it is crucial to remind our loved ones of the centrality of Christ's sacrifice and his victory over death. We need to present Jesus before their closing eyes and remind them of what he has done and who he is. The book of Revelation provides a powerful image of Christ's triumph over death: "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades" (Revelation 1:17–18).

One hymn that beautifully captures this aspect is "Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery":

Come, behold the wondrous mystery:
Slain by death, the God of life —
But no grave could ever restrain him.
Praise the Lord, he is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance,
How unwavering our hope!
Christ in power resurrected
As will we be when he comes.

Another hymn that emphasizes the victory we have in Christ is "And Can It Be":

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him is mine!
Alive in him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine.
Bold I approach the eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

These songs remind us that in Christ, we have hope beyond the grave. They invite us to trust in his finished work and find comfort in his victory.

2. Songs That Confront Death with Hope

As Christians, we are not called to hide from the reality of death. Instead, we are called to confront it with hope. We are freed from the fear of death and can face it head-on because we know that it is not the end. The apostle Paul writes, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55).

One hymn that boldly declares victory over death is "Abide with Me":

I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless:
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death’s sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Another hymn that expresses this hope is "More Love to Thee":

Then shall my latest breath
Whisper thy praise;
This be the parting cry
My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Lord, to thee,
More love to thee!

These songs remind us that death has lost its power to hold us captive. In Christ, we have the hope of eternal life and can face death with confidence.

3. Sing Familiar Songs

When choosing songs for the end-of-life journey, it is important to consider the familiarity of the songs. Familiar hymns and worship songs can bring comfort and peace to both the dying person and their loved ones. These songs often hold cherished memories and have been sung throughout their lives.

Singing familiar songs allows the dying person to engage with the music even when they may no longer be able to speak or read the lyrics. It can provide a sense of familiarity and connection to their faith. Whether it's a classic hymn like "Rock of Ages" or a beloved worship song, choosing songs that are familiar to the person can create a meaningful and comforting atmosphere at the bedside.

4. Corporate Worship as a Dress Rehearsal

As I reflect on the experience of singing at my grandfather's bedside, I am reminded of the significance of corporate worship. Every time we gather as a church, we are participating in a dress rehearsal for our own journey towards eternity. In those moments, we are singing with other believers, both the living and the dying, of our shared hope in Christ.

Corporate worship prepares us to face death with faith and confidence. It reminds us that we are all on this journey together, and that our ultimate destination is eternal life with our Savior. As we sing together, we are reminded of the love and grace of God, and our songs become a testament to our trust in him.

Conclusion

Choosing the right songs for the end-of-life journey is a deeply personal and significant decision. As we accompany our loved ones in their final moments, we have the opportunity to remind them of Christ's sacrifice, his victory over death, and the hope we have in him. Through familiar songs and corporate worship, we can create a sacred space where our souls can connect with God and with one another.

In the end, it is not the words of the songs that matter most, but the heart behind them. It is the love and devotion we express through our songs that brings comfort and peace to the dying person and their loved ones. May we always choose songs that point us to Jesus, the author of life and the conqueror of death. And may our songs become a testimony of our faith and hope in him, both in life and in death.