Do you know what A.D. means?  It stands for the Latin words “Anno Domini”, which, in English, translates to “Year of our Lord.”  The year is based on ancient calculations of the year in which Jesus Christ was born.

Little more than thirty years after that marvelous birth and after a public ministry of some three years, Jesus was falsely accused of sedition by Jewish religious leaders, turned over to the Romans for execution, and then crucified.

Then, three days later, on the most glorious day in history, Jesus rose from the dead.

Today we celebrate the anniversary of his resurrection.

A Collect for Easter Sunday from The Book of Common Prayer:

“O God, who for our redemption didst give thine only begotten Son to the death of the Cross, and by his glorious resurrection hast delivered us from the power of our enemy; Grant us so to die daily from sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through the same thy Son Christ our Lord.  Amen.”

And from Bill and Gloria Gaither:

“Because He lives I can face tomorrow.

Because He lives all fear is gone.

Because I know He holds the future.

And life is worth the living just because He lives.”

Praise the Lord!

AMEN