Celebrating 40 More Days of Easter Joy

Maybe you’re wondering, “Is Donna still talking about Easter?” Oh yes, I am — and with good reason! Easter Sunday wasn’t the finale — it was the opening act of the greatest encore in history.

The Resurrection was just the beginning. Jesus didn’t rise and vanish. He lingered for 40 glorious days, continuing to walk, talk, teach, and appear — sometimes behind locked doors, sometimes on a dusty road to Emmaus, sometimes at the water’s edge with breakfast ready.

He showed up unexpectedly. Lovingly. Powerfully. Tenderly. Mary mistook Him for the gardener — until He spoke her name. Thomas didn’t believe it — until he touched the nail prints. And Peter, oh Peter, who had denied Him, got the gift of restoration and a call to “feed My sheep.” Jesus didn’t scold or shame — He showed up with grace and truth, just like He always had.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that Jesus appeared to over 500 people at once. That’s not hearsay — that’s history! That’s eyewitness evidence! That’s resurrection reality!

And what was He doing during those 40 days? Teaching His disciples about the Kingdom of God. Giving them hope. Explaining everything. Preparing them for what was next. He knew He’d be returning to the Father — but He wouldn’t leave us alone. Oh no!

He sent a BONUS — the Holy Spirit — to live within us. Comforter. Counselor. Constant companion. Heaven’s personal down payment in our hearts.

Jesus ascended — but He didn’t abandon. Pentecost was coming. Power was on the way. And that means we’re never alone.

So, what does all this mean for you and me? It means Easter isn’t over. We don’t stop singing resurrection songs just because the calendar flipped. Because He lives, we face the news, the noise, and the unknown with unshakable peace.

Because He lives, we walk in joy even when the path is steep. Because He lives, we have the promise of forever life.

So, let’s keep on celebrating! Let’s stretch this resurrection joy all the way to heaven’s gates. After all, when the tomb’s still empty, every day is Easter!

Hallelujah! He is Risen. He is Risen indeed!