Christ is risen!
Addressing his younger associate Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David - that is my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:8-10).
According to Paul, the resurrection is at the center of the gospel, the good news, that Christians proclaim. During the Easter Season, the Orthodox Church sings a hymn that proclaims, "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs, he has granted life."
These brief lyrics capture the essence of our resurrection hope. Through his death and resurrection, Christ destroyed the power of death and proved that God has dominion over death. This gives us hope - because he lives, we shall live also (John 14:19). Because Christ conquered death, we can have everlasting life!
Easter is a time to celebrate! But, as theologian N. T. Wright puts it, here's the problem: we treat Easter as "simply the one-day happy ending tacked onto forty days of fasting and gloom." Wright urges Christians to evaluate how we celebrate Easter in our churches, homes, and personal lives. How will you celebrate Easter?
It's important to note that Easter is not only a day, but a season. In fact, it is a season of fifty days that leads up to the Day of Pentecost. In that way, Easter can balance out Lent. Wright suggests that "if Lent is a time to give things up, Easter ought to be a time to take things up." Christian holiness is not only negative; it also is positive in the sense that holiness is about living as flourishing human beings. So what new task or venture might you attempt during this Easter Season? You never know. It might help you to see the world in a whole new way - and that's what Easter is about.
One habit that you might want to try comes to us from the early church. Christians would greet one another with the words "Christ is risen." And the response? "Christ is risen indeed!" Why acknowledge others with these words? Well, it's the best news there is. At Christmas, we wish others "Merry Christmas." When someone is celebrating their day of birth, we say, "Happy birthday!" But the most significant thing that has ever happened in the history of the world and in our lives is that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, so we should greet each other joyfully with these words. This is a statement of triumph and encouragement. Even when things seem to be going against us, even when we're down in the dumps, we have cause for hope because "Christ is risen." Because of this, there is always hope!
If you're really adventurous, maybe you'll not only greet your fellow Christians with this salutation, but you could answer the phone with the words "Christ is risen" for the next fifty days. Or maybe you want to begin your letters or emails with this greeting. It would be one way for us to witness to our faith.
During this Easter Season, let us greet one another with joy, sing hymns with exuberance, and live life the full. Christ is risen! And because Christ is risen, we have hope now and forevermore.
Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
