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Musings and Memories

Hallelujah! He is risen!

Doug Dezotell
Posted 4/3/21

I remember an old story that some old preacher tells (that old preacher may be me), (I'm not sure), (But it probably is me), (But I'm not sure). Anyway, it goes like this: One sleepy Sunday afternoon a preacher and his five-year-old son went for a leisurely drive through the country...

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Musings and Memories

Hallelujah! He is risen!

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I remember an old story that some old preacher tells (that old preacher may be me), (I'm not sure), (But it probably is me), (But I'm not sure).

Anyway, it goes like this: One sleepy Sunday afternoon a preacher and his five-year-old son went for a leisurely drive through the country.

As they were driving they came upon a cemetery.

The son noticed a large pile of dirt beside a newly dug grave and he pointed and said: "Look, Daddy, one got out!"

Looking back to that day the preacher says, "Now, every time I pass a graveyard, I'm reminded of the One who got out."

That's what this Easter Season is all about.

It's the celebration of the One Who Got Out!

The Resurrected Christ!

All week long, leading up to Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday, Christians of every stripe around the world reflect on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In many Christian worship communities the forty days leading up to Resurrection Sunday, referred to as the Lenten Season, is a time of prayer and fasting and denying oneself.

But for so many others, Easter is a different kind of celebration; it's become a Spring Festival.

Over the years many people have added all kinds of other elements to this Holy Season, things such as Easter Baskets filled with colored eggs, jelly beans and candy of all kinds.

The Easter Bunny takes center stage in many families' celebrations.

The bunny is the one who supposedly brings the multi-hued baskets of treats and even hides eggs all over people's yards and around their houses.

But, I want to be reminded again and again of the true meaning of the Easter Season.

Jesus died on the cross for my sins, He was buried, and three days later He arose from the grave.

I learned that message of hope in my Sunday school lessons growing up in church.

I still believe it today and I have shared that message with thousands of people over the years.

The historical fact of Jesus's death and resurrection proves to mankind that, according to John's gospel, "God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life."

Easter reminds me that I serve a Risen Savior.

The Presbyterian pastor, Alfred H. Ackley, penned the words to the hope-filled hymn, "He Lives."

That song of celebration reminds me of the hope that is available to all of us who believe in the Resurrected Christ.

I serve a risen Savior; He's in the world today.

I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him He's always near.

He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.

I know that He is leading, thro' all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing will come at last. He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.

He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart.

I pray that your Easter Celebration will be one filled with Hope, Health, Happiness, and Holiness.

And I pray that you and your family, if you choose to add the elements of colored eggs and candy, will also find the time to reflect on the Risen Savior, and may you find Eternal Peace in His Loving Presence.

Doug Dezotell is pastor of Cannon United Methodist Church and a former staff writer for the Times-Gazette.