Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter is the greatest of Christian celebrations, and discussing it sometimes strikes me as overwhelming in a good way. The resurrection of the crucified One is the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and His Resurrection relates to all the themes of Christian worship, doctrine, and living. In reading various Scripture and Prayer Book references this week, my attention was drawn to the Easter Anthem (pp. 162-163 in the 1928 BCP; p.118 in my 1662 BCP), In particular, I noticed the verses from Romans 6:9-11:
"Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; * death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: * but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, * but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."
These beautiful and sublime words have lasting significance. Jesus Christ has been raised and accomplished a definitive and unique victory over sin and death. As people who have been united with Christ in baptism and faith, we are also dead to sin and alive to God and His goodness. Despite the trials of earthly existence and our own failures, Christ has won a victory for us, a victory that He graciously offers to us again and again in Word and Sacrament. Let us give thanks and rejoice in the good news of our risen Lord! Alleluia!
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