The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matthew 28:5, 6 NIV)
I attend both services on Easter Sunday... the sunrise service and the "main event" Easter worship later that morning. They are so different, and I think the first prepares us for the second.
At the sunrise service, I get that sense that the women who first arrived at the tomb must have had. Is it true? Did he rise from the dead? Really? Should we tell someone? Will they believe it? ... It's a kind of tentative joy. ...a kind of grasping for something that might be true, but is just too good to believe.
The full Easter celebration that comes later is like what happens after the women tell... after the disciples believe... after everyone has heard and seen and know that Christ has risen! He has risen indeed!
What a party! As church staff, I am heavily involved in the planning of this party and it is the busiest time of the church year. Like any party, the details can make you crazy. There are lilies to order, candles and other seldom used appointments to hunt down, worship slides to create, bulletins to print, volunteers to secure, information to be dispersed, and at least one overworked, and addled pastor to calm.
But today... the day after the party... is a day of satisfied reflection. As is typical at Holy Cross, the staff takes today off. I spend some of it thinking about what could have been done better, but mostly I think about the joy. I remember the little children dressed in their Easter finery... the pretty flowered cross that the little ones decorated... the colorful Easter hats... the "alleluias" finally let out of the dark Lenten box... the joyful noise of voices raised in glad song... the beautiful music that the musicians have been practicing for weeks... the shiny brass... the smell of the lilies... and almost being able to hear the children think about the big chocolate bunnies that await them at home.
It was an awesome party! Chist is risen! He is risen indeed!
Lord Jesus,
According to the Church calendar, the Easter season lasts for several weeks. Help us to celebrate with joy the reality of your resurrection each day of the season. Amen.
Joys: The party of Easter worship; great breakfast prepared by the men; Cecelia and the other kids looking so beautiful in their Easter clothes
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