Resurrection Celebration

It's not about an empty tomb.

      It's not about a cross.

 It's not about an empty room.

      Nor yet reversing loss.
His resurrection tore apart

      The grief and pain they felt.

 The jolt of joy within each heart

      Was not the purpose dealt.
The reason that we celebrate

      Is not emotion's pow'r

 Nor history shall ever sate

      The meaning of the hour.
The question we must ask again

      Is where does Christ abide?

 For Christ arose from death in vain

      Unless he lives inside.
Without expression in our deeds,

      Our words do silent fall.

 Unless the hungry 'round us feed,

      Why celebrate at all?
For Jesus rose to live again

      Not to be sung to sleep.

 Rehearsing history is vain

      Unless His will we keep.
He's still within the darkened cave

      Unless our lives are spilled

 Of grace, compassion, neighbor love

      'Til every tear be stilled
So celebrate with hearty voice

      The resurrection tale

 And add to singing deeds of choice

      That Christ through us prevail.
               *-*-*

©Copyright 2017 Christopher Byron Harbin
For a sermon around this poem, click here  

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