He is Risen: The Joy of Easter Morning

To honor Him, His sacrifice, promises, and love.

The Women at the Tomb

The world was quiet; no one moved except the women. They slipped past closed stalls in the town. As they hurried up the narrow streets to the gate, these women wiped tears from their cheeks. They hoped their noses were not too red. Pulling their shawls tight around them, they tried to ward off the predawn chill. Looking down at their feet, they carried their precious cargo carefully out of the town's gate.

Gradually, almost imperceptibly, the world grew brighter. Birds started to sing. A single rooster crowed, and more joined in to welcome the dawn. Driven by the need to mourn Him according to their customs, the women hurried toward their destination. Burdened by their desire to honor Him quietly yet properly, they carried spices. They possibly had frankincense and myrrh for His preparation.

A Life of Service

They spent years with Him. They followed Him, fed Him, and helped Him minister to those in need. Then came the day they watched Him die on a cross, between two thieves. His beaten, bruised body hung in pain. Yet He looked at the crowd with eyes filled with love. They felt compelled to worship Him by preparing Him correctly for burial.

The sun began to rise, casting warm rays across the land, but in their hearts, shadows of grief lingered. The love they had for Him propelled them forward even as their spirits still felt dark.

The Message of Hope

When they rounded the corner, they saw the stone off to the side as they entered the tomb. He was not there. Instead, a young man dressed in a white robe spoke to them.

“Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” — Mark 16:6-7

Weighed down with grief, these women's hearts began to lighten with hope. They stared at him and then looked at each other. Isn’t this what Jesus had said to us? They wondered, gazing at the burial cloths folded neatly beside the empty tomb.

A Transformative Realization

He is risen! They realized. They went to find Him in the first light of Easter morning. Their pain, sadness, and emptiness began to fade with this joyful proclamation. He has risen; He is not here! They raced to tell the disciples, including Peter, who had denied the Lord before His Crucifixion, the good news of great joy.

Did they remember the story of His birth? How the angel had announced it to the shepherds? The great multitudes of angels had joined in, singing praises to God. Did they think of the Wise Men, who came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh?

The Lessons of His Teachings

Did they remember His teachings? How He had to die to set them free? Those teachings were not only about His death, but also about the hope and grace that followed. His sacrifice and resurrection were a promise—an everlasting hope for all who believe.

Their faith and love had led them to the tomb. That empty tomb changed them and the world forever. Christ came to seek and save the lost. His death on Good Friday and resurrection offered salvation to everyone—an incredible gift that transcends time and space.

The Impact of Resurrection

The message of the resurrection is one of renewal and hope. It reminds us that even in our darkest times, there is light. For those women who ran to tell the good news, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. The same is true for us today.

As we reflect on these moments, we remember that through faith, we can experience transformation. Jesus’ victory over death is a powerful testament to love, sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life.

Conclusion: Celebrating Easter

In celebration, we chant, He is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah and Amen! This Easter, let us carry the spirit of that early morning encounter with us. Let us honor the sacrifice and promises made through Christ.

The joy of the resurrection is a focal point for us as believers. It reminds us that we are called to share His love, just as those women did on that first Easter morning. Embrace this calling and share the Good News with the world!

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