With our country at war on Easter's eve, and our sons and daughters thousands of miles away fighting terrorism and those who spread it, it's important to remember the basis of the holiday we call Easter. Many throughout our community will rejoice the day by hiding colorfully dyed eggs or by receiving baskets filled with gifts of chocolate, while others will express their faith throughout the many churches in our area.

We hope as you fellowship with family and friends that you will remember that this holiday is a time of remembrance. To remember Christ Jesus who gave of himself so that we all could discover within each of us what is right and good about ourselves, our friends and our neighbors.

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, &uot;Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?&uot;

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

&uot;Don't be alarmed,&uot; he said. &uot;You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'&uot;

-Mark 16:1-7