I could never say that enthusiastically enough on Easter. Easter is a time to try to absorb what happened. We have grown up hearing about the Resurrection, but have we ever seen anyone rise from the dead? The celebration of Easter should evoke a developed theology. We celebrate an experience.
Jesus died. Many disciples (mostly women) were there. They were present when He was laid in the tomb—DEAD! The tomb is empty! Imagine yourself there. Where has He gone? Did someone—the Jewish authorities or the Romans—take His body away. They would have a reason to hide a martyr's tomb! Yes, there was what He said about rising. Some of the women saw Him, but could it be?
Easter is a feast of great joy. But I would suggest it is even more importantly one of AWE! As we move into the Easter Season, we will hear about the many encounters with the risen Christ and will begin to see how the disciples and His followers came to understand His Resurrection. time enough for reflection then. Right now, we stand in awe and wonder.
If you have ever quietly watched a sunrise in an open field, from a hilltop or mountaintop, or perhaps gazing across the ocean looking east as the disc of the sun rises, that is just a small taste of the wonder and awe of our Easter celebration. We will have enough to talk about it and think about it.
On Easter, let us just enjoy the wonder and awe...for HE IS RISEN!