April 8, 2012

Read Matthew 28:1-10

Resurrection

It’s Easter Sunday morning. I’m up with the sun and there’s a beautiful mist resting across the woodland floor of my back yard. The sounds of early morning drift through the crisp, clean air.  There is an expectant stillness today. I look out over the landscape with the same sense of expectation that I used to have as a child waiting for my father’s train to pull into the station.   I would hear the whistle blow before I could see the train come around the bend with such a feeling of expectation.  I knew my father was about to arrive home!

I wonder if this feeling of anticipation dared to rise in the hearts of the women as they went to the tomb to finish the burial process for Jesus. Did they walk through the garden thinking, “Something is different.  Something has changed!”  Or were their hearts so heavy they could only anticipate with sorrow the task at hand.  Can you imagine the wonder and confusion the empty tomb must have presented to their already sorrowful hearts?  That day forever changed their lives and ours!

Have you ever wondered why Christians gather on Sunday? It’s to remember that this first day of the week was the day that Jesus rose. For years many churches were built facing the east as well, because the rising sun reminded them of their Risen Lord. Somehow in the stillness of this morning I feel an attachment to the women who went to the tomb; to the early Christians who rejoiced over the Risen Sun; ancient yet ever present.

And the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.”
Matthew 28:5-6

He is risen indeed!

Hallelujah, Amen!

Ann LeFevre