Matthew 28:5-6
“Do not be afraid.”
When we celebrate Christmas, it is wintertime, the darkest time of the year in the USA. It seems suitable to do so as a reminder that God came to earth in the form of a human being when life seemed dark and hopeless. There in an unlikely setting, a baby was born, and he was called Jesus, Emmanuel. We sing, “In the Bleak Midwinter.” He came to bring hope into the world.
Easter is another matter. We are almost giddy with delight as we recognize that this is the season of hope and promise. In one tight weekend, we walk from a Passover supper in an upper room, to a trial of Jesus, a walk up the hill to the cross where Jesus dies a horrendous death, to a tomb, and then Easter—new life—Jesus is risen! He has conquered death!
The new life of Easter comes in the spring. After the cold and bleakness of winter, when the earth seems to die, comes the new green blade of spring with flowering trees, bushes, and flowers.
Easter is not just one day, but a lifestyle of living in hope that carries us through the year. Even amid death, disease, war, or economic disaster, God has not forsaken us. Just as we have moved from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Easter, God is present in our darkness and will bring us through our hardships. As my mother use to say, “This too shall pass.”
There is hope, a wondrous gift of an ever-present God. As Easter people we join the Taizé Community and sing, “Be not afraid, sing out for joy! Christ is risen, alleluia!"
Prayer: God, today I know you are present. You are the source of new life and hope and I do not need to fear. Thank you. Amen.
Song: “Be not Afraid” ELW 388