Alleluia Christ is Risen

"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb".  John 20:1. 

So begins the story of Easter recorded in John's Gospel.  Others came and saw the empty tomb.  They stayed briefly and then returned to their homes.  Mary alone remained and as she wept beside the tomb, someone came up behind her and called her name.  When she turned she saw Jesus, whom she loved.  She knew Jesus had been killed three days before but now here he was speaking to her.  Since that first Easter morning, Christians have interpreted the meaning of that great event in many different ways.  However, through all the years, the affirmation has remained the same,  the presence of Jesus, the power of Jesus, the love of Jesus lives on and on.  As you celebrate Easter this year, may the risen Christ bring you new hope, new love and new strength to live his risen life.