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 (Sibelius format)
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].