In Matthew 28:6 (NIV) we find these words: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…”

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, by dyeing boiled eggs or filling plastic eggs with money or candy; by wearing new, brightly, pastel colored clothing; or presenting the children with baskets filled with goodies – let us stop and reverence the real reason for this season.

He arose!

For the Christian, Easter follows Lent, the 40-day (not counting Sundays) period of penance and fasting. Lent “is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Maundy Thursday, the commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples; Good Friday, the day of his Crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, the transition between Crucifixion and Resurrection,” according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

It is, as we in the African American church like to call it, That Great Getting Up Morning. 

We say “Great Getting Up” because we reflect on the fact that Jesus took on our sin – that he was tried by his people, found guilty of nothing, ridiculed and crucified. All of this happened so that our sins would be wiped away. That we – you and I – might have everlasting life. 

As a child I remember singing the words of this hymn in the choir and the church:

“They crucified my Savior, and nailed Him to the cross; (3x)

And the Lord shall bear my spirit home.

He rose, He rose, He rose from the dead; (3x)

And the Lord shall bear my spirit home.

But Joseph begged His body, and laid it in a tomb; (3x)

And the Lord shall bear my spirit home.

He rose, He rose, He rose from the dead; (3x)

And the Lord shall bear my spirit home.

An angel came from glory, and rolled away the stone; (3x)

And the Lord shall bear my spirit home.

He rose, He rose, He rose from the dead; (3x)

And the Lord shall bear my spirit home.

As we are celebrating the joy of Easter, let us be mindful that Christ died for us and rose on the third day that we may have a new lease on eternal life. 

He rose that our sins would be washed away in his blood. He rose so that you and I will not have to suffer eternal damnation if we believe and attest that he is the son of God. 

He arose, he arose, he arose from the dead that we will have a new beginning.

Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Thompson is pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Okatie.