He came to bring the Mourners Joy

Then shall the Dust return to the Earth as it was: and the Spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

The Body sinks lifeless into the open Grave, as a Seed being planted. The Lord breaks open the Grave when He says: Rise up!

The Body crumbles into Dust in the Grave until the Day of Victory; when Jesus’ call resounds. Transfigured we will rise up crowned, in Glory.

The Grave does not enclose the Soul, for it is not made of Earth; the wind blowing upon it cannot destroy it.

In Jesus Christ, the Body which is God’s Temple, peacefully falls asleep. But when the Temple falls, the Spirit will live for Ever in Heaven.

The Body of a Believer rests in the Grave as on the Sabbath, when our daily Burdens are laid aside. The Body, even though it perishes, will, like Jesus Christ, rise up transfigured.

And when we awaken on that great Day; where? O Grave! is your Power then? And Death! where is your Dominion when the call of Jesus echoes through from the Graves? Amen.