“Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothes as white as snow…But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said’…And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 28:1-9)

Finally, these same grieving women, who on Friday could not envision what awaited them this Sunday morning, received the news of greatest joy! Now, they truly had a reason to celebrate. And as they met the risen Lord on their way to proclaim this great news to His disciples, He gave them but one command, “Rejoice!” And how did they respond? They held their precious Savior by the feet and worshiped Him.

And these women, the first eyewitnesses of His resurrection, were not the only ones rejoicing. Our Lord Yeshua was rejoicing too! And He wants US to rejoice with all of them who were filled with great joy on that first Resurrection Day. Hebrews 12:1-2 says,

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This is something to shout about! This is what fills the hearts of the believers with joy unspeakable and full of glory. This is what should fill your holiday celebration with rejoicing—more than all the singing and gifts and food and fellowship—for this is the whole reason that Jesus came to earth in the first place—to conquer death, Hell and the grave so we could live with Him forevermore. And His same command to those women resonates through the ages to YOU, and to me and to all who will come and embrace Him as their Savior…

“Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

May you be filled with joy and peace and comfort as you cling to Jesus’ feet and worship Him this season.

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