05/04/2026
Have you ever had a giant, amazing surprise? The kind that makes you want to jump up and shout, "I can't believe it!" The very first Easter Sunday was a surprise just like that. But it was even bigger. It changed everything!
The story starts very early in the morning, while the sky was still dark with moon and stars. Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been placed. They were very sad, and they brought special spices to take care of their friend.
Just as they got close to the garden, the ground began to shake with a huge earthquake! And then an angel of the Lord, with a face like lightning and clothes as white as snow, came down from heaven.
He walked right up to the giant, heavy stone door that had been sealed with a big "DO NOT TOUCH" sign. The angel didn't wait! He reached out and rolled the stone away and sat right on top of it, with a happy smile.
The guards in front of the tomb were so worried. As the women stood there, they had a choice to make. They approached the angel and he said to them: "Truly I say to you, do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen."
The angel showed the women the quiet place where Jesus had been laid. He was not there! The tomb was EMPTY!
The women went running to tell the disciples.
The Lesson for Us:
Fear Doesn't Have the Last Word: When the women saw the angel and the empty tomb, they were a little scared but mostly very happy. The angel told them, "Do not be afraid." Easter reminds us that even when things seem scary or "dark" like a tomb, God’s light is much stronger!
Go and Tell the Good News: The angel didn't tell the women to keep the surprise a secret. He told them to "go quickly and tell his disciples." When we find out something wonderful, like how much Jesus loves us, the best thing we can do is share that joy with our friends and family!
Jesus is Always With Us: At the very end Jesus meets His friends and promises: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This means Jesus isn't just a character in a book; He is a real friend who is with you while you play, while you sleep, and whenever you need a helping hand.
When you look for Easter eggs today and find one, shout, "He is risen!" It’s a fun way to remember that the empty tomb is the best part of Easter as it means Jesus is alive and we can be His friends forever!
Have a joyful Easter Sunday!
