To The Tomb On Easter Day

There is a period on Easter morning between the instant of Jesus' resurrection and the moment when the women actually realize that Jesus is no longer dead. It must have been a period of sadness, fear, doubt, confusion…all of which comes to be replaced by resurrection joy. But for a time, despite his resurrection, Jesus' disciples and followers know no joy.

This hymn captures that period and those experiences and emotions in its text (based on Mark 16:1-8) and in its music. It is especially appropriate for Easter Vigil and as a subdued opening of Easter Day worship leading to, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.

To the Tomb on Easter Day (PDF format)

David J. Ourisman is a United Methodist elder and a member of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. He has a Ph.D. in homiletics from the Graduate Theological Union and is serving as an adjunct professor of homiletics at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California. His e-mail address is [email protected].