It worked, It worked, It REALLY worked! These are the words that could have been spoken at the empty tomb—at the appearance of Jesus.

The resurrection of Jesus was/is the confirmation that Jesus’ death had done the trick—through his wounds—reconciliation/healing was/is now available. We can be in relationship with the triune God—friendship, fellowship with God, one another, freedom to be and become, a new quality of life, a way of being, now available for all of us—love won and will continue to win.

He is Risen, He is Risen, INDEED! Upon this all else rests for as Paul soberly remains us; “ …if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (I Cor 15:17)

Today is a day for celebration—love has won, a hope that does not disappointment has been birthed and LIFE now and to come is available for each of us.

The First Easter WITHOUT:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die… John 11:25

May the above words of Jesus bring some measure of inner peace and hope to all those who celebrate their first Easter after the death of a loved one—remembering these words of Jesus' were spoken shortly after he shed tears at the grave of his friend Lazarus.

Jesus is one that weeps with us in our grief, our loss, and waits to rejoice with us in the hope of heaven when we are able to do so. In the meantime Jesus hears and honors our "I believe, help me in my unbelief prayer." Christ has mercy!