Published on 03/21/2003

Today the sun stands directly over the equator, making night and day of equal length in all parts of the earth. This event occurs twice a year: in the spring (thus "vernal" equinox) and in the autumn (around September 22). From this day forward the days will get longer and the nights shorter in the Northern Hemisphere. Here's the good news: Easter can now occur.

Commentary

As you know, the first casualties of Operation Iraqi Freedom occurred last night: four American and 12 British troops were killed at 7:37 p.m. (our time) in Kuwait when a Sea Knight helicopter crashed. President Bush warns that there will be others, for this is war. A mixture of anxiety and hope pervades our nation, as we fear further loss of life while hoping for a quick end to this conflict. We fear terrorist reprisals while hoping for protection from our enemies. We need good news this morning.

It comes in disguise: today is the "vernal equinox." Today the sun stands directly over the equator, making night and day of equal length in all parts of the earth. This event occurs twice a year: in the spring (thus "vernal" equinox) and in the autumn (around September 22). From this day forward the days will get longer and the nights shorter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Here's the good news: Easter can now occur. The Council of Nicaea determined in AD 325 that Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. This year, Easter will fall on April 20. Next year, it will occur on April 11.

Here's the better news: it has already come. Jesus is already risen from the dead. He is alive and well, active and powerful. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He has risen indeed.

God threw aside the stone which sealed the tomb of his Son, not so Jesus could get out but so the world could get in. Jesus had already broken the bonds of death, the grip of the grave. He died so that we might live. His tomb was vacant so ours will be one day. No matter what war in Iraq brings to our troops or our country, Jesus is still on his throne. If we make him our Lord and Savior, when we die we don't. When we close our eyes here we open them there. When we breathe our last on earth we breathe our first in heaven. Jesus promised us, "Whoever lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:26).

I was asked yesterday how we can face our fears in faith. I felt compelled to reply that we are in no more or less danger this week than last. Our brave troops are risking their lives for our freedom, and must have our constant prayer support and unspeakable gratitude. But for the rest of us, cancer and heart attacks, car accidents and criminal acts, old age and advancing disease are still our enemies. We will all die. If we are ready today, death loses its painful sting, its grip of fear, its malignant anxiety. The worst that can happen leads to the best.

It's the vernal equinox over Iraq, and Dallas, and wherever you're reading these words. Easter can now come to our calendars. Has it come to your heart?