As a group of women approached Jesus' tomb, they worried about who among them would roll away the stone so that they could enter the tomb and anoint Jesus' body. Yet, the stone had already been rolled away by the time they arrived. A young man greeted them with news that Jesus had been raised from the dead and had gone on to Galilee, where they would soon see him. The women were amazed but also afraid.
We are often afraid like these women at the tomb, even on a day like Easter. Much that is going on in the world confuses us. We search for something to hold onto in a sea of uncertainty. While fear is common, it is not the end of the story. Jesus is risen! He is risen indeed! Come, praise a God whose love conquered death and whose grace saves us not only from sin but also gives us an assurance that allows us freedom from fear. Join us (wear your Easter best or come as you are) and place flowers on the cross. Sing hymns with great joy. Feel God's presence grow in your life. The tomb is empty. Jesus is risen. Hope is here.
