Pastor’s Note. March 21
Ever hear of the Paschal greeting? Well, I didn’t think so either,
until I read up on it and found that Instead of “hello” or some other
equivalent, one is to greet another person with “Christ is Risen!”.
The response is then “Truly He is Risen!” or “He Has Risen Indeed!”
Matthew 28 says
1: In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first
day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the
sepulchre.
2: And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the
Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from
the door, and sat upon it.
3: His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5: And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I
know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6: He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place
where the Lord lay.
7: And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the
dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye
see him: lo, I have told you.
8: And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great
joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Note that they RAN to tell folks! They wanted to express the joy of
the fact that Jesus is risen! This coming Sunday, we will be
celebrating the resurrection of our Lord on Easter. But what I find
amazing is that sometimes we wait until Easter to actually celebrate.
Jesus rose 2000 (or so) years ago! This is an exciting fact, and I’m
thrilled about it - and should be everyday! If greeted by the phrase
“The Lord is risen”, the response “He is risen indeed!” shouldn’t be
looked at as simply a liturgical recitation - but an outpouring of
praise unto our heavenly Father. Jesus IS risen! That’s enough to
keep you dancing and joyful all day, all week, and all year. (more…)

