Today's passge is Matthew 28: 1-10.

An angel descends to the tomb, triggering an earthquake, rolls away the stone in front of the tomb and sits on it. The guards are frozen in fright. The angel tells the Marys to look in the tomb to see that Jesus has risen and then to go to the disciples with the news. On the way, Jesus greets them and repeats the angel's message to the disciples.

The guards watch to make sure nothing happens while the Marys watch in hope that something will happen.

What does happen exceeds everyone's expectations.

The unbelieving guards are demoralized by the God they denied breaking through with his messenger.

The woman are astounded but willing to be encouraged with the proofs of God's promise and entrusted with a message.

God has entrusted me with a message to my mother and children this Christmas.

He's entrusted me the message that God is alive and is waiting for them.

That same joyful message is for others that the Lord points out to me.

I need to hear his reminder not to be afraid.

Jesus has risen from the dead.

He has given me his grace to believe and the courage to meet him and share that meeting.

Because the women "hurried away" and "ran to tell the disciples", Jesus met them on the way.

They believed the good news and Jesus greeted them personally before he met the disciples.

He broke through to reward their faithful caring and watching.

They were ready to greet the Lord.

They are like the five virgins with lamps and oil.

Am I ready and waiting for the Lord to break through? Or am I like the guards, not really waiting for something marvelous?

Recently I have been eating lunch with the elementary school students.

I'm eating lunch because I need to for health reasons. I like being the kids too.

I sit with different ones every day and I pray before I eat.

I didn't expect the kids to notice because I always say grace over my meals.

But the kids noticed. And what has happened is that they've started talking to me about God! Praise the Lord, he's broken through!