He is Risen

And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but he is risen... – Luke 24.4-6

There is not a whole lot more to be said, is there? Those three simple little words changed everything. Death became life. Defeat became victory. Despair became joy. Everything was turned upside down. The grave lost its sting. Death died.

All because on that marvellous morning when the women came to take care of Jesus' body the angels said 'He is risen.'

I miss the old Easter hymns. I love the words to ‘Christ Arose.’ It says it all so well. Robert Lowery wrote this amazing song in 1874. 

Low in the grave he lay, Jesus my Saviour, waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

           

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Saviour, vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

           

Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

           

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Saviour; he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

           

Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign.

           

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

He is risen!

Praise God!

He is risen indeed!