The word Gospel means "Good News." Christian faith is good news. The theme of Christmas is joy; the theme of the resurrection is also joy. Had there been no Christmas, no birth of Christ, there would have been no resurrection, and with no resurrection there would be little joy in life and certainly none in death. But Jesus changed all that. We have suffered a great loss at the death of our friend and loved one, _____________, but for Christians there is joy even in the midst of sorrow.

Just before his cross, Jesus said, "And ye now therefore have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." It happened just that way for those early disciples. Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to the believers. Fear was cast out, faith filled thei…