Alleluia

The Rev. Joseph Winston

April 24, 2011

Grace and peace are gifts for you from God, the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ.1
Are there any Aggies in the house? What do you say? “Gig ’em Aggies!”
Are there any fans of the University of Texas? What do you say? “Hook ‘em
Horns!”
Just to make sure that no one is left out, are there any other fans that want to
check in? What do you say?
Are there any followers of Jesus here? What do you say?

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
1
Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians
1:2, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, Philemon 1:3.

1
 Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

This was not the cry of Mary Magdalene and that other Mary on that early
Easter morn. They were singing a tune that we all know far too well. In it you
hear the refrains of duty and respect. Of things that must be done no matter what
the cost might be. Its sad melody reminds you of the One you lost and its haunting
refrain brings to mind both the trauma and the tragedy of His last week on earth.
We practice this cry all life long. We sing it at the death of a loved one. We
even hear it today as the two Marys go down to the grave one more time.
A joyous song breaks in where there once were tears. It cries out something
that you would never expect even in your wildest dreams. “He is not here,” the
angel sings out, “for He has been raised.”

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

We take up this theme as our own. We cry out to death and the grave:

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.

2
 Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

Jesus has given this song to you.

Alleluia. Christ is risen.

Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

And you shall too.

“The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.”2

2
Philippians 4:7.