After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 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.
—Matthew 28:1-6a
He is RISEN! He is RISEN INDEED!
That is the refrain we call back and forth to one another as we gather on Easter Sunday. God has not allowed death to have the last word, but instead has broken the bonds of injustice, sin, death, and the devil, and has inaugurated new life by Jesus Christ’s own resurrection. The tomb is empty, and we celebrate God’s promise fulfilled.
Break the Lenten fast, and do something special as celebration! If you need some suggestions for celebrating at home, here are some:
- Watch the dawn break-forth a new day.
- Get something special to eat in celebration, or make a toast!
- Use this resource from Tampa Underground for a liturgy of both practices.
- Dress up in something fancy.
- Ring a bell at noon on your front step, joining Christians of all denominations across the country.
- Read the Resurrection Story out of your favorite bible.
- Celebrate with Peace of Christ via Zoom at 10:30am.