By St. Theophan the Recluse
When the angel announced the good
tidings of the Lord’s incarnation he said: "Hail,
thou that are full of grace!" (Luke 1:28);
proclaiming to the shepherds the birth of Christ the Savior he also said: "Behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy" (Luke 2:10). But proclaiming
the Lord’s resurrection to the women, the angel only
says: "He is not here, but is risen!" (Luke 24:6).
He does not add “rejoice,” for joy would
fill their heart on its own, as soon as the assurance
came that the Lord was risen indeed. At that time this
assurance was tangible: the angel prepared it; the Lord
in His appearing completed it. And everyone’s joy
was inexhaustibly full! Now our church, houses and
streets are clothed in the garments of rejoicing, and
everyone is caught up in a general stream of joy. Now
turn your thoughts away from the externals, and
gathering them in your heart, raise up the truth of the Resurrection, in all of its breadth, depth and height;
so that your rejoicing be more than external. Bear out
that spirit of joy, like a spring of bright water,
gushing from the depths of the earth.