adapted from Mark 16:1-8 by Fred Gagnon

‘Twas the night before Easter, and all through the land
was sadness and crying o’er the death of one man.
The cross where He’d hung still stood, splintered and bare,
but His body was laid in a tomb with great care.
The people who loved Him most tossed in their beds,
while visions of Jesus Christ filled up their heads.
The sun had just shone on a high mountain cap
when some women arose from a restless night’s nap.
There was no time for breakfast or small, idle chatter
for they had to take care of a most urgent matter.

Away to the tomb they went, quiet as mice
to anoint Jesus’ body with ointment and spice.
The dawn’s golden light, very peaceful and still,
gave a warmth that took away some of their chill.
But all of a sudden the whole earth did shake,
causing the women to think, Was this a mistake?
Should we stop what we’re doing and go get a man?
For they didn’t know this was part of God’s plan—
to bring back to life His own perfect Son,
and show through His death salvation is won.

Then Mary from Magdala thought, Shame, shame, shame.
She calmed her friends down, calling each one by name.
"Salome and Mary, we must keep on going.
No earthquake should stop us from our deep love showing."
So on to the tomb of the Lord Christ they flew
to accomplish the task they had set out to do.
Salome now said to her friends with a groan,
"Can even all three of us move the large stone
that covers the entrance to Jesus’ dark tomb?"
The others said nothing, their hearts filled with gloom.

When they got to the cave where Christ’s body was laid,
Mary, James’ mother, felt very afraid.
For the stone had already somehow rolled back,
and the entrance was open, frightening and black.
They entered the tomb and were looking around
when a startling thing made their hearts start to pound.
Standing in front of them, dressed all in white—
a handsome young man, a dazzling sight.

He smiled and said, "There is nothing to fear.
You are looking for Jesus. Guess what. He’s not here!
See the place where they laid Him, His body is gone,
and the world will forever be changed from now on.
Remember Christ said, ‘I must be crucified,
for God’s plan cannot be fulfilled ‘til I’ve died.
But on the third day I will rise from the dead.
When it happens the world will have nothing to dread.’
So tell His disciples, especially Peter,
that Galilee is where their joy will be sweeter.
Jesus did promise to meet them all there;
when they see Him again they’ll have no despair."

The young man then vanished completely from sight,
and the women ran from the tomb with great might.
Then awe filled them all from their toes to their heads
when it sank in that Jesus was raised from the dead.
And they marveled how God did a wonderful thing
by taking away the grave’s terrible sting.
Mary the Magdalene gave a loud whistle.
"Christ lives!" she cried, and she ran fast as a missile.
"I’ll share the good news about His resurrection,
to make glad the people who felt His affection."
Her friends raced beside her, their sad hearts now bright
and gave God the glory for their Easter delight.

	Q: Why did the basketball player put his cookie in the milk? A: Because he loved to dunk. Jacob P., 5, Michigan Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe