Easter: The Dawn of Hope

Easter morning breaks with the greatest news the world has ever heard: “He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said” (Matthew 28:6). The empty tomb is not just an ancient event; it is the heartbeat of our Christian faith, the foundation of our hope, and the proof of God’s love for all people.

During the Second World War, a group of prisoners in a German concentration camp found ways to pass news to one another. One day, a whispered message spread through the camp like wildfire: “The Allies have landed! Freedom is coming!” Though their present reality remained unchanged—barbed wire, harsh guards, and hunger—their outlook transformed. The news gave them hope, endurance, and even joy in the face of suffering.

Easter is our VE-Day moment. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s ultimate declaration that death, despair, and darkness do not have the final word. The world still faces struggle—war, injustice, economic uncertainty—but the victory has already begun. Easter proclaims that life is stronger than death, love is stronger than hate, and hope is never in vain.

We live in a world that often feels weary and broken. Wars rage on, people struggle with loneliness and hardship, and many feel that hope is in short supply. But Easter reminds us that God’s love breaks through every darkness.

Think of the disciples on Good Friday—scattered, afraid, uncertain about the future. Many people today feel the same. But Easter morning turns despair into dancing. The risen Christ appears, calling each person by name, just as He did to Mary in the garden. He still speaks today, whispering hope to the lonely, strength to the weary, and joy to the sorrowful.

The resurrection is not just for a few; it is for everyone. No one is too lost, too broken, or too far from God’s love. Jesus’ arms stretch wide—on the cross and in His risen life—to embrace the whole world.

This Easter, may we live as resurrection people, bringing light where there is darkness, love where there is hatred, and hope where there is fear. May we be like those prisoners who, even before their release, lived in the joy of freedom because they knew victory was coming.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

With every blessing this Easter.

Revd Paul

The Revd Paul Wilson

Rector of the Epworth Group of Churches

Priest-in-Charge of the Belton Group of Churches

Assistant Curate of the Crowle Group of Churches and the Haxey and Owston Ferry Plurality

Rural Dean of the Isle of Axholme Deanery