GOD HAS WON!

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” (Luke 24:5)

                 “The strife is over, the battle done;

                                          The victory of life is won;
                                          The song of triumph has begun: Alleluia!

                                          The powers of death have done their worst,
                                          But Christ their legions hath dispersed;
                                          Let shouts of holy joy outburst: Alleluia!

                                          The three sad days are quickly sped;
                                          He rises glorious from the dead;
                                          All glory to our risen Head: Alleluia!

      Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,

                                         From death's dread sting thy servants free,
                                         That we may live, and sing to thee: Alleluia!” 

                               [--Original 1695 Latin lyrics translated by Francis Pott in 1861,
                                      from The United Methodist Hymnal, #306]

For over 2000 years Christians have celebrated the glorious resurrection of Jesus!  He rose that we might have life, and have it more abundantly!  He rose that we might know that he walks and talks with us even now!  He rose to tell us that "everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die"!  He rose to prove once and for all that he is our champion who has already won the victory!  

Whatever it is that you face today that looks and feels like “death” -- whether a broken relationship, being unemployed or cut back in your job due to our healthcare crisis, being unsure of your financial situation in general, illness or other health problems, or any other number of things --  remember that Jesus rose to give you victory over it!  Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Remember that God loves you and I do, too!  Happy Easter!