From mourning to rejoicing!

   It's the morning following a very long and sad sabbath. As the day begins to dawn Mary Magdalen goes to the tomb of her beloved friend, and Lord. She has come to finish preparing the body as is their custom. But she finds no body! The tomb is empty! She is overcome with anguish and frantically she runs to Peter and John. She cries " Jesus is not there and we do not know where they have taken Him!"
   The two men race to the tomb. How could this be? John is first to arrive looking inside he sees strips of linen lying around the room. He does not go in but Peter rushes ahead sees the same linen strips as well as the cloth that covered His head still in it's place. they are so overcome with sadness they never think to remember the promises of scripture that he would rise on the third day. Defeated they return home.
   However Mary remains. She sobs outside the borrowed tomb defeated and alone. As she weeps she looks again into the tomb and sees two angels in dazzling white seated at the head and the foot of where Jesus was lain. As she stares no doubt in awe, they say to her "woman why are you crying?" She says to them "They have taken my Lord away and I do not know where!" Her anguish and pain palpable in her voice. She turns and there stands Her friend and teacher and Lord. She is so caught up  in her despair she does not even recognize him. Jesus says to this much loved woman "Why are you crying and who are you looking for?" Thinking He is the gardener she says " please tell me if you know where they have taken my Lord." Jesus says simply "Mary." She instantly recognizes that voice and falls to His feet to worship Him! Jesus sends her to tell the disciples what she has witnessed and with a simple message that he will soon join His Father in heaven.
    She returns to the disciples and says all she has seen and heard. And that Jesus is risen! That evening as all the disciples are gathered together with the doors locked from the inside. Jesus appears in the midst of them and says "Peace be with you." They are surprised and afraid as He shows them His nail pierced hands and scarred side. His disciples are overjoyed!
   This is the basis of our faith! The Joy of our belief! Because if He lived a good life that makes him a good man. And if He died for his faith that makes Him a martar. But if He is risen He is who He says He is and He has done what scripture promised and what only God could do! I believe! I am made new because of this! My sins died on a cross with this sinless savior! Hallelujah!! He reigns! He Lives! He is risen!