Easter

“He is not here. He has risen!” Luke 24:6

As a child, growing up in a Mennonite Church, the pastor greeted the congregation, in Russian, with the words, “He is risen!” and there were enough Russian Mennonite grandmas and grandpas there to reply in the same language, “He is risen indeed!” Then it was a time to celebrate with a number of hymns that speak of our risen Savior! Words that I still know off by heart when reminded, bring back echoes of men and women singing their hearts out in four part harmony. My favorite was, Up from the Grave He arose!
Girls, in their prettiest dresses, and boys, thinking about the lunch that was waiting, sat in the pews, giddy with excitement about the events planned for the day.
Oh, why do I suddenly feel older? I’m not saying it was better than today. It just dawned on me that some things have changed. The past is a part of me, it has shaped me, just as I continue to be shaped even today by the choices I make. I wonder, what will my children and grandchildren think of when they ‘remember’ one day? May we never forget the significance of this day and may each generation continue to lift their voices in praise of a Risen Savior. May what’s important, never change.

God sent his son, they called him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove
my Savior lives.

Because he lives, I can face tomorrow
Because he lives, All fear is gone
Because I know he holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because he lives

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days
because he lives.

And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory
and I'll know he reigns.

Bill Gaither And The Gaither Vocal Band Lyrics