April 30, 2001
Easter Morning
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer:
Death is strong, but life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right;
Faith and hope triumphant say,
"Christ will rise on Easter Day!"
While the patient earth lies waking
‘Till the morning shall be breaking,
Shuddering ‘neath the burden dread
Of her Master, cold and dead,
Hark! She hears the angels say,
"Christ will rise on Easter Day!"
And when the sunrise smites the mountains,
Pouring light from heavenly fountains,
Then the earth blooms out to greet
Once again the blessed feet;
And her countless voices say:
"Christ has risen on Easter Day!"
Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
As I copy this poem of Phillips Brooks we are in the afterglow of Easter. Most celebrations are over and its back to the daily activities of our lives. But the Easter truth is everywhere. Just as light overcomes darkness, the right must be paramount in our actions. Just as the sun rises and the earth blooms, the afterglow of Easter demands that we become part of the Easter story on the Mondays of our lives. We are deeply grateful for all who share this vision and make its fulfillment a reality in their daily lives. If we can help let us know.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
201 Oak St.
Mauston, WI 53948-1333 608-8474555
Past Weeks Thoughts: