Easter Sunday

Mark 16:1-8

Pastor Scott McAnally

In my life there have been many moments where I have felt like those gathered around the tomb on that Easter morning as Mark’s Gospel reports. I have felt alone and been afraid, not knowing what’s going to come next. I’m sure that all of us at one time or another have felt this way. With challenges facing us as a society today in the economic and political spectrums, it’s easy to get ourselves down and to lose hope. The world wants us to look at the empty tomb and ‘be afraid.’ (vs. 8)

But that’s not the end of the story. Here we stand some 2000 years later because those disciples refused to let fear ‘seize’ them. They went and they told the story…

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Today is the day we celebrate that amidst the fears and uncertainties in our lives, there is one certainty that we can proclaim, that Christ has risen from the dead! “This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia!” Amidst your doubts, your fears, and your sorrows, Christ comes to you, risen and alive…and raises you up to a new creature in Christ, alive, forgiven, and comforted. Today you are not alone, you are Christ’s and have been named and placed in Christ’s care and love. So…on this day…on the day of Resurrection, know that no matter where you are, where you might be, what challenges might be facing you, and no matter what is ailing you, Christ is with you…Christ is present…and Christ will be with you always! Hallelujah!

PRAYER: God of mercy, we longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.