“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, 

and giving life to those in the tomb.'

One of our oldest Christian hymns talks about Christ conquering death.

But how are we to understand this?

What does that mean, if not that conquering death means conquering the things that cause death.

What causes death?

Stress! It’s a leading cause of heart attacks and cancer-

How about unforgiveness, despair, hopelessness, fatigue, worry, boredom, loneliness - these are the things that lead to death.

And how have they been conquered?

By offering us an alternative. 

This is what Jesus did.

It's by suggesting that the world works best not through these things that cause death, but the things that cause life.

One of my earliest memories was asking my mom where babies came from.

My mother said when two people love each other new life comes into the world.

Now this may not be the most comprehensive explanation of human reproduction, but it does say something really profound about what makes us tick.

Jesus was the human image of God, that means he was love - walking around on earth - bringing life - by bringing love.

And when humans killed love, love could not stay dead. 

Love conquers death.

What that means is that every single little thing we do in the name of love, sending an encouraging text message, visiting a lonely friend, sending a card or email to someone who needs hope, are ways we spread that news of victory over death. 

What are other ways we can spread that love?

May we take our vocations seriously and celebrate the victory.