Special Sunday Edition
Ethan Barton, Pastoral Resident, Tallowood Baptist Church
Let’s never forget that after his resurrection, Jesus pulled off the single greatest prank in the history of humankind. While the disciples were gathered together—in a locked room, mind you—trying to figure out what was going on, Jesus suddenly appeared and startled them half to death with a greeting. Just imagine how much he laughed! Jesus is alive, it’s the greatest day in history, and he’s celebrating and having fun!
Today, during the most wonderful time of the year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus because of the later death and resurrection of Jesus. And it’s a cause for celebrating indeed. God’s plan of redemption is fulfilled. Sin and death no longer have dominion over us, and because he lives, we have life eternally with him. That is good news of cosmic proportions, and it filled Christ Jesus with uncontainable joy—should it not fill us with the same joy as well?
Plus, Jesus’ resurrection is certain fact! The disciples did not just imagine him or see a ghost. He was tangible, his flesh was clearly real and still had nail holes, and he was even hungry and ate food as only living people do. All the disciples, as well as many others, could personally testify to this. Luke’s point is clear: the disciples knew what they saw, and their testimony is true. The historical fact of Jesus’ resurrection could not be more certain.
Joy and amazement—that was the disciples’ response to seeing their crucified rabbi alive again. Do we still react with the same joy? Are we as amazed? Even Christ himself was overwhelmed with happiness and just had to share that joy and celebration with those he loved. The beauty of the gospel is that we are invited to join Jesus in jubilant joy. Let’s join him. Let’s celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ with uncontainable joy.
