Christ is Risen!

April 20, 2014
Opening Hymns:
302 Christ the Lord is Risen Today http://hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh302.sht

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 28:1-10
28:1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.

28:2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it.

28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

28:4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.

28:5 But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.

28:6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

28:7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you."

28:8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

28:9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

Message:
Imagine this scene, grief and terror turn to joy! Christ has risen, and the victory is God’s. “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis somewhat resembles the Easter story. When I was in high school I was able to be Lucy in that play. I remember the sorrow my character went through as they found out that Aslan had been killed in order to save Edmond. And the astonishment and joy that they had when Aslan came back to rescue them just in time.

Today we get to celebrate with the women and the disciples, the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. We get to sing joyfully, and exclaim that Christ has conquered death! We get to stand in awe and wonder as we reflect on God’s mercy, love, and victory. We get to be saved as well, just as the four children were saved in Narnia. Christ is risen, Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for rescuing us from our sins, and saving us from death. Thank You for giving us this day to remember Jesus’ victory over the grave, and victory over our sins. Let us remember this day throughout the year so that we may share this joy with everyone we meet. Amen


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
327 Crown Him with Many Crowns http://hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh327.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God