Then Came the Morning

​Our world has changed dramatically over the ages, but one thing remains the same:  after every sunset comes a glorious new sunrise.  After a period of darkness, light shines anew.  This is a constant truth both in the physical world and the spiritual one. Out of the stillness of that first Easter morning came the cry of victory as the ground shook and the stone was moved to reveal an empty tomb.  

“Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.  His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.  And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.  But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.  Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.’”
~Matthew 28:1-7

​The events of Resurrection Sunday took place at dawn.  The beginning of a new day—the beginning of a new era—started with the rising of the sun.  Light broke the power of darkness that very first morning in more ways than one.  It was a glorious morning!  A morning full of hope for the future.  A dawn that brought new beginnings and a fresh start. 
 
No wonder the women rejoiced!  Their Lord who was dead was now alive.  The tomb was empty, death’s power was defeated, and the King of glory rose triumphant.  That’s reason to celebrate!
 
Therefore, this Easter Sunday, let’s join the first-century disciples in celebrating the glory of that morning and all that it signified.  Even though the Resurrection took place over two thousand years ago, the power of it still reverberates through history, impacting our present and future.  Jesus is alive, and the victory He won on that glorious morning is a victory that we can share in as well. 
 
Darkness no longer holds its power.  Death has been defeated.  Satan has been conquered.  Victory is here.  Hope has risen.  A new day has come.
 
The sun rises each day to dispel the darkness, and similarly, the Son of God will always shine to pierce the night and rescue the lost.  We would do well to remember this constant truth--especially now, when COVID-19 seems to be daily stripping away our lives.  The sun will shine again, and the Son of God is already shining as a beacon of hope and a beckoning call to a lost and hopeless world. 
 
So let’s rejoice in the Risen Lord.  Let’s sing aloud and worship the God of our salvation.  For through Him, we have new life, hope eternal, and light that pierces the darkest night.