Isaiah 25:7 And he will destroy…the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; 8 he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth.

Celebrations mark changes relating to the past, such as Memorial Day or the future, such as New Year’s Eve. Easter reminds us of the eternal present, promising us that the world has changed. Past grief is in Christ’s hands, and there is ample hope for the future. Easter is the realization of the Good News proclaimed by John the Baptist. It is the peace and security of being held in your mother’s arms which washes away the darkness of uncertainty, fear, loss, and blindness. In this restoring power are cleansing love a mother can bring to a child and a spouse can bring to their partner.

Christ is this power for all times and all people.

We are children to the Christ, we are calmed by Jesus word, we are all redeemed by his example.

Be new, be joyful, be thankful for this bright new day.

Now hush little baby, don’t you cry

Everything’s gonna be all right

Daddy’s here to hold you through the night.

Eminem – Variation on Mockingbird lyrics.