"FOR as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. Peace be unto you." Thus, the morning and the evening of the resurrectionon.
The Christian world has set apart days and seasons for commemorating the incidents of particular importance and significance in the earthly career of our Master, and none is of greater importance and significance than his resurrection, but these festivals cannot of themselves add anything to the value of his example in his words and works.
The splendor of song and ritual, the pomp and circumstance of material service, express the joy and gladness of humanity, and in so far they are of value, but they add nothing to the lesson of the crucifixion and resurrection, nothing to the glory of the risen Lord. The simple salutation of the early centuries, "He is risen," and the response, "He is risen indeed," express the essential recognition of the resurrection; the victory over death; the triumph of Spirit over matter; the crowning revelation of the Christ. The real lesson comes not in ceremonial, but in silent communion with God, in tranquil contemplation of holy things. Apart from symbol and ritual is the great fact of immortality, and this is what Jesus taught. He proved that death is unreal and that Life is eternal and indestructible.
