Every year, I just love the springtime. Many of the plants and flowers in my yard that were dormant over the winter are in full bloom. Everything is new and fresh. It also reminds me of what the garden tomb must have looked like on that first Easter morning, when several women went there to ask the Roman guards, who were guarding the tomb, if they could put spices on Jesus’ body. When they arrived, however, there were no guards and no Jesus. Only an angel sitting on a rock saying, “Jesus is not here, he has risen from the dead, just as he said he would. He’s alive and he’s on his way to Galilee!”

The women finally caught up to Jesus, embraced him and spoke with him. Then Jesus went to see the disciples, and everyone was amazed. Over the next few weeks, he visited more than 3,000 people. The greatest event of all mankind, in all history, had happened: The long-awaited Messiah had resurrected from the dead so everyone who believes in him can have hope.

The last time I went to Jerusalem, I had a chance to visit that same garden tomb. It’s still a very beautiful place that’s well preserved. Upon entering the tomb, I could see where the rock was cut to fit Jesus’ body. Then it dawned on me that I was looking into the same empty tomb the women saw, except I’m sure at that moment they experienced a very different feeling than I did. They were wondering where his body had been taken, whereas my feelings were of joy, because I knew Jesus had resurrected from the dead.

When I looked into the tomb, what I saw was hope, because the power Jesus used to raise himself from the dead is the same power that has transformed my life now and has given me life eternally.

God loves the entire world. He desires that none perish in their disbelief, but that every man, woman and child would believe in his only Son. Jesus came to give us hope. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV).

God’s Easter message is one of hope. Jesus has risen. You were created for a purpose and to experience joy, which can only happen through an intimate relationship with him. The resurrection of Jesus reveals the very core of God’s passionate love for you. The resurrection validates everything Jesus did and said. He may be speaking to your heart right now as you read these words. Why not make Easter something really special this year? Believe in Jesus and invite him into your heart. Just be very honest why you need him to save you, and he will.

Easter is about lasting hope. Why not attend the church of your choice this Easter Sunday and see that hope up close. It’s contagious.

• To contact the Rev. Rob Krenik of Calvary Chapel, call 839-8099 or e-mail rkrenik@sbcglobal.net. All religious and spiritual leaders in the local community are invited to write columns for Reflections on Faith.