“That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.”

Jesus was crucified on the greatest of all the Jewish holidays—Passover. Everyone in Jerusalem was in eager anticipation of the feast that would begin that evening. Families and neighbors would gather for a huge, special meal and a night of teachings, followed by a day of peace and rest. These women should have been bustling around their house preparing food and setting out their best tableware and making nice decorations. But they dropped all their plans and ran to stand in solidarity by their Lord’s cross. They accompanied His body to the tomb and watched them seal the grave. Only then did they return home, not to finish their holiday preparations, but instead to grind spices and fragrant oils mingled with their tears, while all the country was celebrating with joy around them. And the Sabbath was not a peaceful day of rest, but the longest day of waiting for them to be able to go and anoint their Lord’s body with the spices they had prepared. They couldn’t envision the true joy that awaited them in the next two mornings.

Why am I telling you this? Because many people are gearing up for celebrating Passover and Resurrection Day with family, friends and neighbors. There will be Seder meals, sunrise services, pageants and cantatas, and fun activities for children. But there are also those who are hurting or mourning loss right now, who hear the sounds of celebrating all around them but can’t seem to envision the joy that awaits them. Take notice of those you meet whose holiday is mingled with tears. Share a loving arm (or shoulder to cry on) and help them see that we don’t have to mourn long because Jesus has already won the victory over all our troubles if we will yield them all to Him.

“Sorrow may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

May you be filled with the joy and peace of the Lord as you celebrate His resurrection power this season and all year long!

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