I was a widow at 39 years of age, with two young boys. The day after my husband’s the funeral, the boys and I returned to the cemetery and took time to admire the many wreaths and flower gifts that had been laid upon the brown freshly dug earth of my young husband.

In Jesus’ times, burial for some, meant a cave-like area where the body could be laid to rest and a large stone rolled over the rock opening to keep the remains safe from predators.

It is mind-boggling to imagine those returning to Jesus’ grave, only to find the rock rolled away and the body gone. Fear. Worry. Terror.  There are so many adjectives to describe what His followers must have been feeling and thinking.

Alleluia.  He is risen.  He is risen indeed.  We are so richly blessed by the good news of Easter. There is joy seeing a butterfly emerge from its cocoon; or the crocus and lilies burst from their buried bulbs, showing their colors; there is far greater joy knowing our Lord is risen.  Alleluia!

He loves you unconditionally. The tomb is empty.  Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

Jill