Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. John 20:1
There’s a lot to be said for getting up early. Millions upon millions of the earth’s people must do just that in order to survive. Some wake up early to thrive. Scripture reminds us often that Jesus would wake up early and go somewhere quiet to pray. It’s clear to me that the simplicity of waking early has healing and prayerful benefits. The opportunity to ground the day in prayer and thanksgiving quietly as God’s wondrous world comes alive is a tremendous gift to receive. The sound of the birds singing their first of the day and the sight of the sun slowly rising above the horizon are well worth it. Thinking of the first Easter, if I put myself in Mary’s shoes, after the death and burial of Jesus, I would be inclined to believe that getting up early wasn’t much of an option. Instead, I would wonder if Mary or any of the followers of Christ simply didn’t sleep at all. Rather, they tossed and turned, feeling despair and deep grief after the death of Jesus.
Early on the first day of the week, Mary came to the tomb and was blindsided as she witnessed the miracle of resurrection. While at her most vulnerable, Mary was completely caught off guard and her life was changed forever. Mary heard it first, “Christ is risen,” as she struggled to cope with her grief. As Mary stumbled through the dawn, she was embraced by the fullness of Life. Death had been defeated. Not just Christ’s death defeated either, because of his life, death and resurrection, hers as well.
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
So, I have a question for you. Will Easter change you?
So, I have more than one question. Will you allow the wonder, the power and possibility of Easter to empower your daily walk of faith?
Easter is all about Life and embracing the ultimate Love of God. Breathe deep. Live well. Take your time and read John 20. It’s incredible. It’s life changing.
The appointed Psalm for Easter Sunday (118) asserts, “A new day has dawned for me, a new life has begun. Is it any wonder that I’m happy?”
As members of Christ church, I write to you affirming that a new day has dawned for us! Together, we share the good news in church, in worship, in committees, in ministries far beyond the confines of our imagination. As the hands and feet of the risen Christ in the world today, I thank you for your call to support people locally and globally who wake up early every morning seeking hope, healing, and grace.
God bless your Easter, the whole season. Together, may we let our souls grow in God’s wholehearted Love and trust that:
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Be well,
Christine
There’s a lot to be said for getting up early. Millions upon millions of the earth’s people must do just that in order to survive. Some wake up early to thrive. Scripture reminds us often that Jesus would wake up early and go somewhere quiet to pray. It’s clear to me that the simplicity of waking early has healing and prayerful benefits. The opportunity to ground the day in prayer and thanksgiving quietly as God’s wondrous world comes alive is a tremendous gift to receive. The sound of the birds singing their first of the day and the sight of the sun slowly rising above the horizon are well worth it. Thinking of the first Easter, if I put myself in Mary’s shoes, after the death and burial of Jesus, I would be inclined to believe that getting up early wasn’t much of an option. Instead, I would wonder if Mary or any of the followers of Christ simply didn’t sleep at all. Rather, they tossed and turned, feeling despair and deep grief after the death of Jesus.
Early on the first day of the week, Mary came to the tomb and was blindsided as she witnessed the miracle of resurrection. While at her most vulnerable, Mary was completely caught off guard and her life was changed forever. Mary heard it first, “Christ is risen,” as she struggled to cope with her grief. As Mary stumbled through the dawn, she was embraced by the fullness of Life. Death had been defeated. Not just Christ’s death defeated either, because of his life, death and resurrection, hers as well.
Christ is risen!
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
So, I have a question for you. Will Easter change you?
So, I have more than one question. Will you allow the wonder, the power and possibility of Easter to empower your daily walk of faith?
Easter is all about Life and embracing the ultimate Love of God. Breathe deep. Live well. Take your time and read John 20. It’s incredible. It’s life changing.
The appointed Psalm for Easter Sunday (118) asserts, “A new day has dawned for me, a new life has begun. Is it any wonder that I’m happy?”
As members of Christ church, I write to you affirming that a new day has dawned for us! Together, we share the good news in church, in worship, in committees, in ministries far beyond the confines of our imagination. As the hands and feet of the risen Christ in the world today, I thank you for your call to support people locally and globally who wake up early every morning seeking hope, healing, and grace.
God bless your Easter, the whole season. Together, may we let our souls grow in God’s wholehearted Love and trust that:
In life, in death, in life beyond death,
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
Be well,
Christine
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