“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, [two women] came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. ‘Why are you looking for the living among the dead?’ asked the men. ‘He is not here, but He has been resurrected!”
New LifeΒ . . .
As a little girl, Easter Sunday meant a new dress. Soft pink or pale yellow. With a straw hat to match.
I knew Easter meant more than a new outfit. I knew it was the day we’d celebrate the empty tomb — the day we’d sing He Is Risen. But I still looked forward to the new dress. Other than new clothes for school in September, Easter was the one time a year I got to wear something new.
On Easter Sunday, I cherished every ruffle of lace. My dress usually had a ribbon that tied in the back, so I’d tie it with care, making sure the bow had the perfect amount of poof. And the hat…oh, the hat…I wore it with a certain tilt, thinking that’s how it was done.
When I think about the First Easter — when two women walked to the tomb, only to find it empty — I doubt they were thinking about their clothes. The darkness that covered the earth on Friday still covered their hearts. For their hopes had been crucified with Jesus.
But then two men stood by them in dazzling clothes, angels with the most important message any ear would ever hear: He is not here, but He has been resurrected!
In that moment, something stirred in their spirit. New hope. New life. Because Jesus is alive. And they ran with all their strength back to their friends to share this amazing news.
Two women were the first to relay the news: He’s alive!
Now we get to do the same. Not just on Easter Sunday. But every day. We can share the hope we have. Jesus came to exchange our sin for His grace. Because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we are given new life.
In Ephesians 4:22-24, we’re told that our old way of life has been removed, like an old garment, and we can put on our new life in Christ, like a new robe.
In Revelation 19:8, we see the bride of Christ — the Church — being clothed in bright linen.
Today, I carry on the same Easter tradition with my daughters. But a new Easter dress isn’t the real point. It’s merely a symbol, a way of remembering, that because He is risen, we are robed with new life.
Do you have a tradition on Easter Sunday?
How will you celebrate our risen Savior today?
Guest says
Happy Easter! Would some of you mind praying for a few unspoken requests? Thank you
blessedsmith says
Praying for you and your unspoken request.
Guest says
Thank you for your prayers
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Praying for you and that you would have peace and hope in the One who bears all our burdens and answers all our needs. ((hugs)) B
Guest says
Thank you Bev π
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
This is kind of unusual…I am sick and not able to go to church this am which is really hard. So thank you for the reminder this am that He is not here…He is risen. One day our frail and sick bodies will be no more. I take heart that I know the end of the story. Blessings and a Joyous Easter to my (in)courage friends! Love you, Bev
Grace says
Bev,
Praying for restoration of your health and for sweet moments with Jesus right where you are this morning.
Blessings to you (who bless so many through your words!)
Grace
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Grace,
Thank you for your sweet and uplifting words!! Blessings and a joyous Easter!! Bev xx
An says
May the Lord life you up today, Bev, in your health. May He touch your health with His new life in restoration π Praying that He blesses your Easter, sweet sister π
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thank you so much for the Easter prayers and blessing!! Hugs to you sweet sister π Bev
Beth Williams says
Bev,
Happy Resurrection Day! I pray the lord brings His healing touch to you! Prayers that you enjoy this blessed Easter with family!!
Blessings π
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Thanks Beth…Blessings to you and your family! Rejoicing with you sweet friend! Bev xx
Mary Haynie says
My tradition for my girls, 27 years ago, was pretty flowered dresses, white lacy socks, and new white shoes.. I always read the Easter Story to them when we got up . They are now 30 and 31.
Prayers for all that need them and all that don’t know your precious love oh Lord.
Beth Williams says
Happy Resurrection day!!!
I always try to find a sunrise service. Usually our little church has one at 7AM and then we all go and share breakfast!! Then I will go to the regular service to worship with the congregation. This year I will be eating lunch with my pastor, his wife and some friends! We will have a blessed time enjoying the company!!
On the way to church this AM I looked at the mountains. I could visualize three crosses and Jesus saying “My God my God why have you forsaken me?”. I cried as I realized what He did for me-died a cruel death to give me life to the full! How can a heart not be thankful and rejoice at that!!?