Easter is a day of joy and hope
People love stories. Stories are magic; they can create other worlds, evoke emotions, generate ideas and make the everyday seem incredible. They can teach us empathy and take us on terrific journeys. They can make us laugh, cry, jump with fright, and then comfort us with a happy ending.
Have you ever watched a group of children listening to a story? Eyes wide, mouths open, minds churning — they focus, they engage, they believe. They are totally absorbed.
Jesus was a master storyteller. He taught truth through parables, and, of course, He lived out the greatest story ever told.
I have always liked songs that tell a story; and one of the best is Don Francisco’s Easter song “He’s Alive!”
Francisco crafted this telling of the Resurrection story from Peter’s perspective.
After Jesus was crucified, Peter spent the night in sorrow and sleeplessness at the death of his Lord and friend and cowered in fear that the soldiers might drag him away.
Just before sunrise, he heard someone outside. He was expecting swords and torches and the sound of soldiers’ feet, but there was no one there but Mary. Distraught, she told Peter that Christ’s body had been moved during the night.
They ran to the garden and found the stone and empty tomb. The sheet they had wrapped Jesus in was an empty shell. John believed it was a miracle and that Jesus was alive, but selfdoubt and shame overpowered Peter as he remembered how he had denied even knowing Christ. He had seen the soldiers crucify his Lord, and he had watched his friend die. How could He be alive?
Suddenly, the air was filled with a sweet fragrance and light dispelled the darkness. Jesus stood before them with his arms held wide open, and Peter fell down on his knees and cried. Love was shining out from Christ like sunlight, and the guilt and fear that Peter felt disappeared before his eyes.
Peter cried out in joy, “He’s alive! He’s alive! Hallelujah! He’s alive! Christ’s alive, and I’m forgiven! Heaven’s gates are open wide!”
Don Francisco won many awards for “He’s Alive!” but Dolly Parton’s anointed performance of the song at the Country Music Awards in 1989 gives me chills. This inspiring video can be found online. I hope you will watch it. What a wonderful way to praise our risen King!
Easter is indeed a day of immeasurable joy and hope, as Christians celebrate the victory of light over darkness, life over death, and the triumph of God’s love for His children. Let us pray for the billions of people in the world who live in darkness, who fear death, and who do not know God’s love. There is no doubt that the world needs an Easter miracle this year. May God touch hearts with healing, love, and peace.