In the first century in the Roman Empire, the early Christians practiced a really interesting custom. They would take laurel wreaths out to their graveyards and place them on the graves. These were the same wreaths that had been used in Greek and Roman culture to crown the victors of athletic contests. For these first Christians, the ritual symbolized their belief that in Christ we have received victory even over the power of death.
Charles Kingsley was a very gifted and beloved Anglican pastor of the 19th century. He was also a well known historian and author. Near the end of his life, both he and his wife lay terminally ill in different rooms of the same hospital. They communicated by writing notes. One day his wife had a message sent to him that read: “My darling, is it cowardly of me to tremble before the unseen reality of death.” He wrote back “Do not be afraid! It will not be dark, because God is light. There will be no loneliness, for Christ will be there.”
I thought that was beautiful. And that is our resurrection hope.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul wrote:
When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
Let us pray: Eternal God, before whom generations rise and pass away, we thank you that through the resurrection of Jesus you have overcome the powers even of sin and death. Help us to live fully – here and now – trusting that in life and in death we belong to you. Amen
