04/19/2025
In celebration of today, a day when the body of Jesus rests sealed in its tomb, and tomorrow’s awakening to find the stone rolled away and an empty tomb is yet to come. I wanted to do something a bit different. Instead of my typical devotional message I want to share something special I have written with you that I hope will bring you peace and joy as you contemplate what this day means. Today is a day of waiting that comes between the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, and the realization of His resurrection on Easter morning. It is a quiet time known by many names… Christians throughout time, and around the world refer to this day in many ways such as Easter Eve, Easter Even, Holy Saturday, Black Saturday, Great Saturday, Low Saturday, Hallelujah Saturday, Joyous Saturday, The Saturday of Light, Mega Sabbatun, Good Saturday, Sábado de Gloria, The day of silence, The day of Reflection, Resurrection Saturday, or simply as The Saturday before Easter, but whatever we call it this is a day of earthly silence as the body of Jesus lies wrapped in its burial shroud and before the morrow’s dawn reveals that He has risen from the dead. Today is a glorious day for all believers… a day when the promise of eternity is at hand, and God’s grace is witnessed in full.
““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.””
John 3:16-17 ESV
“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
John 10:17-18 ESV
Now, please read this short poem that I wrote several years ago, and quietly contemplate what this day means to you, me, and to all the world…
Easter Dawn - He is Risen
By Rich Forbes
Dawn comes; glorious overture,
Rising in pronounced crescendo
With first glimpse of Easter
Sun... bursting forth in glory.
I sit sipping my morning tea,
Basking in the predawn beauty,
Relishing spiritual peace
At the new day coming;
All senses alive and gasping
In the moment of brilliant birth.
Oh this song would last till dusk...
The joy of all life singing.
God's reminder; eternal hope;
At the inception of His coming;
Now His Lamb, our Redeemer;
Who is risen; Holy Lord.
Pray a Psalm Today:
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 150 ESV
Amen!
Rich Forbes