I was at a youth choir festival a few months ago where I watched one tiny girl, perhaps nine years old, bouncing along as she sang. Was she singing some rock number? No, it was “Rejoice, O My Spirit,” an aria from a Bach Easter Cantata performed exactly 290 years ago today. You could hear joy in the music and see it in her face. This little one was utterly joyful. It brought back memories of when I was in a children’s choir. We learned a wonderful anthem, “This Joyful Eastertide.”

This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow!
My love, the Crucified, has sprung to life this morrow.

Imagine how pleased I was when it turned up in our hymnal, Evangelical Worship #391.

Christians are supposed to rejoice during Easter. Our sins are forgiven, and death has no hold over us. Rejoicing, however, ought not just to be an attitude of worship at Easter, but a way of life at all times. I wonder if we appear as a joyful people to non-believers. Christians sometimes come across as grumpy people angry about everything. Why would anyone want to be a Christian if it  means scowling and being grouchy? We ought to reflect the joy that comes from the blessings God has given us in our Savior Jesus Christ. Rejoice and be glad. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed.

Read 1 Chronicles 16:23-31, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne