Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, it was interesting when a friend shared that the dictionary defines Easter as a Christian festival which celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Easter, Sunday, brought to mind a myriad of imagines, one of which was the singing of lovely Easter anthems.  A book on Hymns elucidates the following pertaining to one favorite hymn: "In the Garden" (written March 1912 by C. Austin Miles) allows the singer to share the experience of Mary Magdalene, as she met Jesus outside the tomb on Easter morning, (John 20: 11-18).

Christ "bids us go" as He did Mary, to tell others of His death, His resurrection, His ascension, and His promise of coming back again. His command to go is, in a sense, a "voice of woe" because men must be warned to turn from their sins if they are to escape God's judgment. We are the only messengers God has to take this news to the world, which we read in Romans 10:9.

"For if you tell others with your own mouth that Jesus Christ is your Lord, and believe in your own heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in his heart that a man becomes right with God; and with his mouth he tells others of his faith, confirming his salvation." 

We remember the true meaning of the hymn as we sing with joy - "with melody in my heart."  Mary's experience can be re-experienced by every person who confronts His presence in the routine of our daily life.

Civilla Martin wrote a little verse (1958): "In the Beloved accepted am I, Risen, ascended, and seated on high. Saved from all sin through His infinite grace. I am accorded in heaven a place." Thank You, Lord, that when our time comes, we also will have a place in heaven with You.

Love, Mara