Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” – John 20

I have always been a huge fan of a great sunrise. Sunrise sums up Easter Sunday morning to me, a brilliant awakening inviting me into a new day filled with light, and promise, and joy!

There have been few dawns so memorable as the day I climbed Mt. Sinai in order to witness the morning light come up over the ancient desert. You can read the story here – Dawn from Sinai – but the point I want to make is that it was no accident I met God there on top of the mountain.

The powerful sensation of being in the presence of the Creator came in great part in response to the effort and intention it took to get there. Out of bed at 1:00 am, the camel ride, the climb, the solitude, the silence, the spectacular 360-degree views.

The powerful sensation of being in the presence of the Creator came – comes – in great part in response to the effort and intention it took – takes – to get there.

This is also how Easter morning feels, especially when I prepare myself in terms of a deliberately applied life of faith and commitment to following Jesus. I feel like I have just climbed the mountain and there I am, awesomely in the presence of the Risen Lord!

Easter Sunday is such a joyful moment! Sure, we already knew how the story was going to end when we took communion around the table Thursday evening. But it is still dark for a couple of days and I am still more than ready to celebrate Christ’s victory and the invitation Jesus offers to join him in becoming beings of light, creatures of a New Creation.

This is what is so powerful about today. I can’t think of anything more affirming and invigorating that to join hundreds of beautiful Wake Forest believers in singing songs of praise and raising our voices in Thanksgiving!

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

7:00; 9:00; 11:15 – be there…