He Is Risen!

The first Easter was the springtime of all history. It was a prophecy of new life, new hope, eternal growth, and immortality.

With Christians everywhere, we bow this day in humble gratitude for the priceless gift of God to men. The gift of eternal life is vouchsafed to us through his sacrifice and guaranteed to all by the only One who could pay the price.

In spite of the unpromising outlook of the world today, the efforts of the enemies of righteousness, and the machinations of wicked men and devils, Easter morn proclaims its joyful promise to all who tabernacle in the flesh and gives assurance of the final triumph of right. "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (1 Cor. 15:19.) Easter gives hope and assurance beyond this life. "So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." (1 Cor. 15:54.)

And so, we celebrate victory. It is a permanent victory, the greatest victory of all time, the victory over death. For this occasion we have no bands or banners; no banquets or displays. But rather in humility we are impelled to bend the knee and bow the head and in gratitude for the greatest gift of God to men, we join in singing, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Cor. 15:55.)
Millennial Star (Hugh B. Brown, The Eternal Quest [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1956], 389.)