The tomb is empty, He is risen
The angel said,
“Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth,
Who was crucified.
He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!
Look, this is where they laid His body.
Now go and tell His disciples”
Mark 16:6-7
What a glorious day!
Prophesied throughout the Old Testament the miraculous birth, life, trial, and death on the cross of Jesus Christ culminates in His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Jesus’ life is no longer an event in the future. The Gospels of the New Testament record His life. His preaching, teaching, miracles and temptations are laid out for us.
The most important day for all Christendom for over two thousand years, the day is marked with joyful celebration.
For many the 40 days of what is known as Lent has built up to this one day. These days have been filled with reverent meditation, sacrificial living, and prayerful contemplation.
Easter Sunday is the day to break away from the solemn practices and CELEBRATE!
Why (and how) do you celebrate?
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, became the sacrificial lamb.
The lamb had long been a symbol of sacrifice, notably during the Passover festival. From the time of Abraham “God will provide a lamb for the burnt offering” (Gen 22:8) and Moses “Go pick out a lamb and slaughter the Passover animal” (Ex 12:21). Prophesied by Isaiah “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.” (Ish 53:7) and later in John’s Revelation vision “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered” (Rev 5:12).
Jesus was put to death as payment for the world’s sins. Your sins and my sins.
His resurrection is our resurrection. Promised to us by God since the beginning of time.
Christians everywhere celebrate the wonderful gift of Easter in many ways.
How do you celebrate worship on Easter Sunday?
I remember as a youngster always attending the Easter “sunrise service” in recognition of that glorious morning when Mary and the other women arrived at the tomb. Our church always holds a communal breakfast gathering afterward to share in the joy.
He is not here, He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!
Pray:
Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for sending your Son, the lamb. He lived, died, and was Resurrected by your almighty hand, for me, a poor miserable sinner. In His name I give all thanks and praise. Amen