Up From the Grave He Arose!

my Easter basket

Steve and I had a wonderful Easter morning.  I woke up to a surprise Easter basket from my (Jewish) husband, who is currently working 70 hours a week, and we went to 9:00am worship.  Worship was followed by breakfast at a diner downtown, and potluck Easter lunch with classmates and friends at our apartment complex.  

One thing I DID miss this morning was hearing my mom sing me an impromptu chorus of "Christ Arose" (more information about the hymn at hymnary.org) even before getting to church.  We generally didn't sing it in my childhood church or my current church (I don't think it was in their hymnals) but we did sing it at East Bethany Presbyterian Church when visiting family or when I was doing Pulpit Supply.  

My mom LOVES this hymn.  She sways, she dances, and she bounces.  You can listen to the hymn's chorus here and imagine that for yourself.  I was not a child that was ever really embarrassed by her parents so I remember thinking it was funny, and then as I got older, just FUN.    

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!

So what did all this swaying, dancing, singing and bouncing teach me?  Easter is joyous, joyful, and exciting!  The pastor should not have to say "Christ Is Risen" to the congregation five times to get an excited "He Is Risen Indeed!" in return!

Happy Easter!  Christ Is Risen!  He Is Risen Indeed!