The Meaning of Easter - Pt. 5

 

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. (John 20:1-9 ESV).

 

The picture I’ve included with today’s devotional was taken in Washington D.C. Perhaps you can recognize the Washington Monument in the background. It is a part of the vast cemetery known as Arlington National Cemetery. Each year one of the most traditional practices takes place here and at many other cemeteries across the world. This tradition is rooted in our reading today. Easter “sunrise” services commemorate the early morning hour of Christ’s resurrection. These services are reminiscent of the earliest Easter celebrations which included an Easter Vigil, held very late on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The Vigil ended with the lighting of a candle, celebrating the light of Jesus Christ coming into the world through the resurrection. I have taken part in many such services over the years. Many times these services were multidenominational, as the celebration of the resurrection crosses every boundary men have erected over the centuries since that first Easter morning… Jesus is risen!

 

So, next time you attend an Easter Sunday service, gather with family around the table for Easter dinner, or dye eggs with your kids or grandkids, remember that all of the traditions we have looked at have long histories. If we take time to reflect on the histories and symbolic meanings of these traditions, whether we participate in them or not, it can help us decide how to celebrate a more Christ-centered and meaningful Easter! After all, it is not about eggs, bunnies, festive meals, or sunrises. It is about Jesus having defeated death on our behalf. No grave can hold the child of God captive. We shall be risen with Him!