by Desiree Bustamante

He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

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“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.

Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him.”
Matthew 28: 1-9 New Living Translation

The day began so very bleak for the two women. In spite of the sunrise, only darkness existed. Mary, Jesus’ mother, expected to prepare her beloved son for burial. Mary Magdalene anticipated seeing her friend and teacher as a lifeless body. Their grief and mourning were inconsolable.

They were not prepared to meet an angel inside the tomb who had a message that their Jesus was alive. They were frightened and understandably confused at the empty tomb. But the angel spoke words of reassurance, then delivered the awesome news, reminding them that all during His ministry Jesus told them that they should expect this—that He would rise from the dead.

The angel instructed them to deliver a message to His disciples and sent the women on their way. Then the ultimate unexpected, most joyful moment happened. Jesus met them and greeted them. Though they believed, they were blessed to see with their own eyes what the angel told them. Their sadness disappeared, their hearts were light, and their weeping turned to tears of joy! This was the best day of their lives. Their son and friend and teacher and Savior was alive. He had truly risen! They fell at His feet and worshiped Him as their Lord and Savior.

All of God’s promises that He made ages ago to Israel, and to all of us, have been fulfilled today! Jesus Christ has risen and still meets us in the garden of doubt, belief, sadness and joy! Share this good news with others! Worship your Lord and Savior this Easter day!

He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO