Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

For many years, during the early Easter sunrise service, while my kids were young and my wife sang in the church choir, I was responsible for waking up our four children—our son and three young daughters—and getting them ready for church by myself.

I often fretted about getting the girls dressed in their beautiful Easter dresses and preparing them for the service. The house would have a frenzy of activity as I worked to make sure everyone was ready. My daughters would don their lovely dresses, and we would rush out the door.

Upon arriving at church, my wife, Kelli, would scoop them up into the restroom to fix their hair and work her magic with the finishing touches. I fondly remember gazing down the church pew after hearing from adoring church members and marveling to myself at how we managed to dress them in their Easter best.

Despite what Andy Williams may sing about Christmas, Easter is “the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Easter is filled with anticipation and joy as we gather to celebrate our Savior’s resurrection. One of my favorite moments of the Easter morning service is when we sing the hymn “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” (Lutheran Service Book 465). The triumphant melody and brass band fill the sanctuary, echoing the joy and victory of Christ’s resurrection. The hymn’s tune, known as “Lasst uns erfreuen,” is familiar to many, as it is also used for “All Creatures of Our God and King” and “Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones.” The latter can be found in the Lutheran Service Book (670), making it a cherished tune.

The opening words of the hymn ring out into the air, a reminder of the hope and new life we have in Christ. “Now all the vault of heaven resounds In praise of love that still abounds, ‘Christ hath triumphed! He is living!’ Sing, choirs of angels, loud and clear! Repeat their song of glory here: ‘Christ hath triumphed, Christ hath triumphed!’ Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

As we continue our Easter celebration, let us remember that we are called to wear our Easter best all year long.

Colossians 3:12 reminds us to “put on” compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These virtues are the true garments of a life transformed by Christ’s resurrection.

Verse three of “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” asks the Lord to help us live out these virtues: “O fill us, Lord, with dauntless love; Set heart and will on things above.” This plea aligns with Colossians 3:12 as we seek to embody the love and grace of Christ in our daily lives.

With joy and exaltation, we sing praises to our God, just as the hymn beautifully captures the triumph and glory of this Easter season. Let us carry the virtues that God gives us to embody in our daily lives. As the final verse concludes: “Adoring praises now we bring And with the heavenly blessed sing: ‘Christ hath triumphed! Alleluia!’ Be to the Father and our Lord, to Spirit blest, most holy God, All the glory, never ending! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!”

During this season, we ask you to join us in our “50 Days of Blessings” initiative. This meaningful period, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost, offers a chance to reflect on how you might be blessed through the vital mission of Worship Anew. It also features a unique gift match opportunity that will enhance your generosity and, in turn, bless this ministry. Watch your mail for a special “50 Days” calendar.

As we celebrate Easter, let us remember that Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection three days later is not simply a moment in history; it is the most transformative event of all time that impacts our lives today and into eternity. Christ is risen!

Clothed in the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, we are called to reflect the love and grace of our risen Savior in everything we do. May the joy of Easter fill our hearts and guide our lives as we continue to sing praises and live out the message of Christ’s victory over death and the cross each and every day. Yes, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Colossians 3:12-13 ESV