But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay (Matthew 28:5-6).

I celebrate today, because I know my Savior is risen. He defeated sin and death and provided the way for me to spend eternity with Him in heaven. He has imputed His righteousness to me, so I can stand before the Father in heaven and my sins are wiped away. This is a great cause for celebration and there is nothing in this world of more value than the work Jesus Christ did on the Cross.

This is what gives me great hope every day, when I watch the news and I see the condition of the world. If my hope and trust were in my government or the leaders around the world, I would have no hope; I would be in great despair. As I look at the persecution of Christians around the world, I have hope, for I know my Redeemer lives and He has redeemed every one of them. I know their hope is in eternity. It is not in this temporal world.

During His ministry on this earth, Christ told us there would be great trials and tribulation; there would be wars and persecution, but we should not focus on these things, because we are just pilgrims and sojourners traveling through this world. Knowing I am not of this world, and Christ has opened the door for me to enter into eternity with Him, I cannot help but rejoice, for my Lord is not dead, He is risen, and because He has, we will all rise with Him.

Happy Resurrection Day!

~Staff Writer