By Pastor Sandy Wright
Woolwine and Ross-Harbour
United Methodist Churches

Scripture:  Matthew 28:1-10:

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the tomb. 2 Look, there was a great earthquake, for an angel from the Lord came down from heaven. Coming to the stone, he rolled it away and sat on it. 3 Now his face was like lightning and his clothes as white as snow.

4 The guards were so terrified of him that they shook with fear and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him.

7 Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead. He’s going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.’ I’ve given the message to you.”

8 With great fear and excitement, they hurried away from the tomb and ran to tell his disciples. 9 But Jesus met them and greeted them. They came and grabbed his feet and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Go and tell my brothers that I am going into Galilee. They will see me there.” (Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible)

Easter is a time in the church that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Sometimes it occurs in March and at other times in April. There is a “formula” that is used to determine when it is celebrated in the faith community.

Humankind can manipulate the date; however, none can change the outcome. Jesus Christ was resurrected, brought back to life again, after being dead for several days. This miraculous event is something only God can do.

The core of our faith rests in two Biblical events. First, Jesus Christ is sent as God, born in the likeness of man, to teach of God’s great love, to heal those for whom he had compassion, and to give his life sacrificially for all people.

Secondly, Jesus Christ is resurrected to show that death has no victory over any who confess and believe in their heart that God is real.

There really is “a higher power” that I choose to call GOD, who loves you and me so much that we have a home eternally with God the Father, if we choose to accept the gift. We have the opportunity to accept the theology of God or reject it. You have the final say about what you will believe and if one day you will live with God.

My prayer for all who hear these words is that you will accept it; and you will believe, and you will spend the rest of your days sharing your faith with those who have not yet heard! Christ is risen! Hallelujah!

Amen.