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| Villa Alessa DECEMBER 27, 2024 |
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we do not know where they put Him.”
(John 20:2)
The empty tomb is not a sign of loss or despair but a witness to the power of God and His love so rare. He raised His Son from death to life, the firstborn of the new creation. He conquered sin and broke the curse, He offers us salvation. The empty tomb is not a place of fear or doubt but a call to faith and hope and joy, a reason to sing and shout. He is not here, He is alive, the angel said that day. He goes ahead of you, He waits for you, He is the only way. The empty tomb is not a relic of the past but a promise for the future and a treasure that will last. He will come again in glory, He will wipe away every tear, He will make all things new, He will reign forever here.
Run to the risen Lord, He is waiting for you with open arms and loving eyes, He knows what you've been through. He has overcome the grave, He has conquered death and sin, He invites you to His kingdom, He wants to let you in. Run to the risen Lord, He is calling your name with gentle voice and tender words, He heals your wounds and shame. He has paid the price for you, He has given you His grace. He offers you His friendship, He longs to see your face. Run to the risen Lord, He is ready for you with joyful heart and radiant smile, He celebrates the truth. He has made you new in Him, He has clothed you with His light. He welcomes you to His glory, He crowns you with His might.
On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. (John 20:1, 2-8)
The word of life is not a sound or a letter but a person and a power, a love that is better. He spoke the world into being, He breathed into dust, He became flesh and dwelt among us. The word of life is not a law or a rule but a grace and a truth, a light that is full. He taught the way of the kingdom, He healed the broken. He died and rose again, He fulfilled the promise spoken. The word of life is not a book or a creed but a spirit and a hope, a friend that we need. He guides us into all truth, He comforts and convicts. He abides in us forever, He makes us His witnesses.
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life— for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us: what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so that our joy may be complete. (1 John 1:1-4)
We are called to proclaim the Lord's justice to the oppressed and the poor. To speak the truth in love and kindness, to be His witnesses evermore. We are called to proclaim the Lord's justice to the nations and the lands, to show His mercy and His goodness, to be His faithful servants and friends. We are called to proclaim the Lord's justice, to the broken and the lost, to share His hope and His forgiveness, to be His light upon the cross.
The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. Clouds and darkness are round him; justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. Be glad in the Lord, you just, and give thanks to his holy name. (Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12)
Lord, You have risen from the grave and I have seen Your glory. Your empty tomb speaks of Your victory against sin and death. I gaze upon Your beauty and Your grace, marvel at Your majesty and Your splendor. I humbly worship You in awe and surrender to experience Your presence in every hour, trust in Your promises and Your word, and follow Your guidance and Your lead. May I always enjoy Your peace, rest in Your arms and Your embrace as I rejoice in Your salvation and Your gift. I praise and glorify You O Lord for Your love and Your lift. Amen.
Pericope:
III: The Book of Glory
THE EMPTY TOMB
John 20:1-8
THE WORD OF LIFE
1 John 1:1-4
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
THE DIVINE RULER OF ALL
Psalm 97:1-12