First Light

Did you know there is a time of day called first light and last light? They’re approximately twenty minutes before sunrise and after sunset. I look forward each new day to first light – it seems calm, quiet, slow. (I know, I know there are many up and commuting by then.) But for me it beckons ‘come out, look up, breathe deep’.

In a matter of days, we celebrate the greatest miracle and gift ever – the resurrection of Jesus Christ, known to most as Easter. Many will barely reference Jesus on this monumental occasion. The true Joy will get lost in egg hunts and family dinners for many.

My mind drifts to thoughts of the first Sunday after Messiah died. It was early, perhaps first light, three women hurried to the tomb of Jesus – carrying spices to anoint His body. They were wondering how they were going to roll away the large stone. As they arrived, they noticed it was already moved aside.

What must it have been like finding their way in the pre-dawn minutes, distraught over the events of His death, wanting to honor their Lord one last time? This was no celebration, no expectation of goodies in eggs or fun events for the family. This was a heart wrenching procession.

Much like it would be for us when we awaken the day after a loved one has passed away. We would make our way in numbness, swollen eyes, and longing for it to be a bad dream.

Just when it seemed all was lost – they arrive at a tomb where Jesus is no longer laying. An angelic messenger greets them: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” (Mattew 28:6a NIV) It had been too hard to grasp – to comprehend that Jesus would die and would then rise on the third day. All that’s in their thoughts right now is the horrible suffering of Christ on the cross, the agony and weeping as they watched.

The angel told them to hurry back and tell His disciples the great news. After the women told them, Peter and John took off running. When they discovered He truly was gone, they returned even more distraught. But Mary Magdalene lingered and asked the gardener if he knew where Jesus’ body could be? And then…He spoke her name, this was no gardener, it was true, He was alive!

First light took on a whole new meaning at the empty tomb. First Light was the Light of the world. From that day until now all people have the opportunity to enter an everlasting light where no dark death will ever reside and where each new day adds up to an uncountable number “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV) Each day first light is a reminder He is Risen!