(Don Francisco)

The gates and doors were barred

And all the windows fastened down

I spent the night in sleeplessness

And rose at every sound

Half in hopeless sorrow

And half in fear the day

Would find the soldiers breakin' through

To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise

I heard something at the wall

The gate began to rattle

And a voice began to call

I hurried to the window

Looked down into the street

Expecting swords and torches

And the sound of soldier's feet

But there was no one there but Mary

So I went down to let her in

John stood there beside me

As she told me where she'd been

She said they've moved Him in the night

And none of us knows where

The stones been rolled away

And now his body isn't there

So we both ran toward the garden

Then John ran on ahead

We found the stone and empty tomb

Just the way that Mary said

But the winding sheet they wrapped him in

Was just an empty shell

And how or where they'd taken Him

Was more than I could tell

Oh something strange had happened there

Just what I did not know

John believed a miracle

But I just turned to go

Circumstance and speculation

Couldn't lift me very high

'Cause I'd seen them crucify Him

Then I saw Him die

Back inside the house again

The guilt and anguish came

Everything I'd promised Him

Just added to my shame

When at last it came to choices

I denied I knew His name

And even if He was alive

It wouldn't be the same

But suddenly the air was filled

With a strange and sweet perfume

Light that came from everywhere

Drove shadows from the room

And Jesus stood before me

With His arms held open wide

And I fell down on my knees

And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet

And as I looked into his eyes

The love was shining out from Him

Like sunlight from the skies

Guilt in my confusion

Disappeared in sweet release

And every fear I'd ever had

Just melted into peace

He's alive yes He's alive

Yes He's alive and I'm forgiven

Heaven's gates are open wide

Has alive yes Has alive

Oh He's alive and I'm forgiven

Heavens gates are open wide

He's alive He's alive

Hallelujah He's alive

He's alive and I'm forgiven

Heaven's gates are open wide

He's alive He's alive He's alive

Sweet Jesus

Copyright ©1977 by New Pax Music Press , ASCAP