LBW #143, v. 1-2, “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds”
Devotion
During the Easter season we sing many Easter hymns, but this hymn has special meaning for me. My mother died on December 22, and I have believed these many years that her last great gift to me was to understand why Jesus came and died. As I stood beside her coffin on that cold Wyoming day I was reminded of this Easter hymn, "Christ has triumphed!"
Jesus came, born in a lowly stable. Jesus lived, experience life and suffered. Jesus died. Jesus broke all the boundaries of sin and death and the way of God triumphed, even over the cold, dreary winds of Wyoming on that December day. Jesus has broken the great line between life and death in his triumph. This news should transcend every other boundary that exists. Easter’s news is the great boundary breaker and we get to share this news. How blessed we are!
Prayer
Risen Christ, your triumph is utterly amazing! Grant that this news will overwhelm us so much that we must share it out of joy with all people in ways that they will hear. Amen.