“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” (Matthew 28:1-6)
Beautiful morning! Day of hope,
Dawn of a better life;
Now in thy peaceful hours we rest,
Far from earth’s noise and strife.
Morning of resurrection joy,
Day when the Savior rose,
Singing shall greet thy opening hour,
Singing shall mark thy close.
Beautiful morning! All the week
Waiteth thy welcome light,
Since thy first dawning, calm and clear,
Out of the darkest night.
Beautiful morning! Grief and pain,
Weeping before the tomb,
Fly at thy dawning, Jesus rose,
Jesus dispelled the gloom.
Lucy J. Meyer, 1849–1922
