Tag: Easter

THE EMPTY TOMB

My very favorite Easter hymn is Robert Lowry’s “Up From The Grave (He Arose)”which was written in 1874. I think I like it because not only are the lyrics jubilant and joyous, the music is invigorating. As you sing it or listen to it you can see the rock rolling away from the grave and the Savior glowing in radiant white robes.

The Chorus is:
Up from the grave He Arose
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes
He arose a Victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign
He arose! (He arose)
He arose! (He arose)
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Down the road from us a local church puts up a display every Easter of the three crosses, the open tomb, and a giant heart. By the crosses and the open tomb a sign says He is not here. By the giant heart the sign says Is He here? The song echoes through my mind each time I pass the display.

The world today needs a risen Savior more than ever. Wishing you and yours all the blessings of this holy season. Happy Easter!

And Then…

It seems that everyone is dealing with scary, difficult, and life-changing “stuff”. My prayer list grows longer every day. Loss of parents, children, spouses, friends. Cancer. Pneumonia. Stroke. Heart attack. Diseases I can’t even pronounce. Loss of mobility. Depression. Blood clots. Dementia. Fire. Flood. Accidents. Job loss. Contentious family relationships. Work-life balance. And a myriad of issues that may not seem major to someone on the outside looking in but are gut wrenching and heart breaking to the people slogging through them looking for daylight on the other side.

There is a real danger that when you’re being inundated by evil and ills of the world, you’ll miss the moments of total joy and pure bliss. Don’t let them be overshadowed by the bad. There are so many exquisite moments in life if you are looking for them. The talcum powder scent of a new baby. The gleeful face of a six year old bathed in the glow from birthday cake candles. The smile of someone who loves you. The sound of a friend’s voice long unheard. A hand holding yours as you cross the street. A new job you are passionate about. Mastering a new skill no one thought you could. Reaching a golden anniversary milestone. The aroma of supper wafting to you when you come in the back door. A letter from a friend you thought you’d lost. Discovering who you are. Realizing you are a child of a Creator who loves you always. Finding someone who believes in you.

Remember, there was a dark, difficult time ages ago when all seemed bleak and hopeless. Then…

UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE

Happy Easter