He Is Risen!!

What a wonderful Easter Sunday we had in Jerusalem! We got up early for the sunrise service at the Garden Tomb, and it was already packed by the time we got there around 5:45 am. It was a beautiful morning.

The line to get into the Garden Tomb around 5:45

The little one was VERY tired, but the fact that she celebrated her very first easter in Jerusalem is pretty meaningful.

Part of the garden

The tomb is empty!!

After the service, we went to an Easter brunch at our church.

And finally, an Easter photo shoot of the little princess. :)

We sang several songs at the Garden Tomb, but the one that was most meaningful to me is listed below. It has been on repeat in our house ever since. I think it sums up beautifully the joy, hope, and meaning of Easter.

Resurrection Hymn

Stuart Townend

Verse 1:

See, what a morning, gloriously bright

With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem

Folded the grave clothes, tomb filled with light

As the angels announce Christ is risen

See God's salvation plan, wrought in love,

Borne in pain, paid in sacrifice

Fulfilled in Christ, the man

For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

Verse 2:

See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?"

As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb

Hears a voice speaking, calling her name,

It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again!

The voice that spans the years

Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us

Will sound till He appears,

For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

Verse 3:

One with the Father, Ancient of Days

Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty

Honor and blessing, glory and praise

To the King crowned with power and authority!

And we are raised with Him,

Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered;

And we shall reign with Him

For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!