Where was the “Good” in Good Friday?

As a child, Good Friday seemed like a complete contradiction. We’d arrive to find our normally bright and welcoming church looming dark and foreboding. The lights were low, curtains closed, only a few candles flickered. Everyone spoke in hushed tones just like they did at a funeral. I didn’t understand.

Where was the “Good” in Good Friday?

The Pastor would read the story of Christ’s march to Calvary, of his crucifixion, and I wanted to cover my ears to blot out the sounds of the hammers pounding on nails, of the jeering crowd. I squeezed my eyes shut, but the images were there, still.

That day, the Savior of the world died like a common criminal.

Where was the “Good” in Good Friday?

Even after I escaped through the church doors and into a spring evening, the somber mood followed us home and stayed throughout that night and all the next day. The world seemed hushed. Waiting.

It was the same that long-ago Easter Morning, when the women went to Jesus’ tomb, still living in Friday’s grief. They came to anoint the body of the dead Christ. Imagine their confusion and surprise when they found the tomb empty. Had someone moved the body?

Two men appeared, bright as Angels, and asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen! Remember how he told you…”  (Luke 24:5-6)

Why do you look for the living among the dead?…He is Risen!

That morning, with that statement, everything changed. Forever! Christ conquered death, he overcame sin and darkness. And by doing so, He gave us hope. No matter how dark it gets today, hope is just beyond the horizon. No matter how deep the darkness in this world, there is hope for tomorrow, waiting for us.

Where was the “Good” in Good Friday?

It came full circle on Resurrection Sunday. Easter is about hope. For today. For tomorrow. For always.

He is Risen!!

“He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!”

And because of that, we can face tomorrow, no matter what.

Happy Easter!