Hymns Tell the Story

“I have seen the Lord,” said Mary Magdalene to the disciples.
“Were not our hearts burning within us…,” said the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
“He has been raised; he is not here,” said the angel.
“My Lord, and my God,” said a believing “Doubting” Thomas.
“Peace be with you,” said Jesus.

Through all of the Gospel lessons for the season of Easter we find people who encounter the risen Jesus.  Some are amazed.  Some are frightened.  Some doubt.  But in having the truth revealed to them, they are filled with joy - for the scriptures had been fulfilled and they believed.  “Go and tell,” said the angel.

Our hymns for Easter are filled with joy.  And why not?  Easter is the most important celebration of the year. Some hymns admonish us to “go and tell.”  Some remind us of the shedding of Christ’s blood, others make reference to the Jewish Passover, and others tell us of the music of the heavens at Christ’s resurrection. At the time of a death, there are Easter hymns that can support us.  All of them bear an important message – to tell the story of Christ’s resurrection.  The gospels and our hymnal are full of “go and tell” references.  Which hymns tell this story best for you?