Hope

If asked to describe the meaning of Easter in one word I would select the word "hope."  Without Christ's resurrection there is no hope of eternal life.  Paul says it best: "if in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." I Cor. 15:19  There is no salvation without  the resurrection.  Without salvation there is no hope.

But He lives!  He shocked guards, disciples, and family one Sunday thousands of years ago when He defied Satan and rose from the dead.


Because He lives. . . prophecy was fulfilled; deity was confirmed.
Because He lives. . . redemption is possible.
Because He lives. . . we no longer wander through this world "having no hope and without God" .
Because He lives. . . Satan's power over us has been nullified.
Because He lives . . . death has been defeated and holds no power over us.
Because He lives  . . . this corrupt body will soon be exchanged for a glorified body.  
Because He lives. . . hope has replaced fear.

Now we wait with expectant hearts for Jesus, our Blessed Hope to return.  We have not seen Him face to face, but we know His voice, we have seen His ways, and His grace has transformed us.  Celebrate His resurrection and the hope He offers.