When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
Mark 16:1-4 NIV
Rolled Away
Centuries ago, when European settlers arrived on Canadian shores, they brought with them their cherished Easter traditions. The early settlers, primarily of French and British origin, celebrated Easter as a religious holiday, paying homage to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over time, these customs intertwined with the indigenous traditions of the First Nations, creating a unique blend of cultures that is still evident in Canadian Easter celebrations today. Canadians enjoy such things as glazed him, roasted lamb and hot cross buns to celebrate this holiday.
***
Some things are humanly impossible. When Jesus was crucified, the entrance to the tomb in which he was buried was not only supremely heavy, but it was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers. No wonder when some women headed to the tomb, they wondered who they could find to roll the stone away so they could anoint Jesus’ body. Not to worry. It was Resurrection Day. Mark puts it this way in Mark 16:1-4: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” No heavy stone, no politician’s seal, no Roman guard was going to keep Jesus in the grave that morning. Because Jesus came back to life, so do we who know Him a Saviour and Lord. Happy Resurrection Day! I
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley