December 20. The Empty Tomb

"The angel said to the women: Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified." Matthew 28:5 It must have been a glad errand to the angels who were sent to minister at the grave of the Redeemer, to roll the stone away, to keep watch at the empty sepulcher, and to tell the good tidings to the disciples who came with such heavy hearts. Their message was one of great joy. Jesus, whom His friends thought was dead — was alive again for evermore. He had been in the grave — but He was not there now. The empty tomb has many glorious voices. It tells us first, that Jesus actually died. He was buried here — just in this place. His head lay there — His feet here. Here are the grave-clothes — the pieces of fine linen which gentle hands wound around Him. Here is the napkin which covered His face. He lay just here. Look at the place and mark it well — and never forget that He actually was dead. This is important, for upon His death — your acceptance with God depends. But look again. The grave is now empty. He was here — but He is not here now, for "he is risen." The grave is empty. Here are the grave-clothes — but there is no body. He is gone! The empty tomb tells, then, of resurrection. Death could not hold the Messiah. He burst its bands and conquered the grave\