This proclamation celebrated on Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, is a defining call and response made by followers of Jesus to highlight the pivotal reality that has changed everything.
Usually one will offer the greeting, “Christ is risen!” and the response is “He is risen indeed!” The phrase also known as the “Paschal Greeting” or “Easter Acclamation” is a familiar custom among Christians to remember and declare how God used his mighty power to conquer death and save humanity.
While the phrase is not verbatim from the Bible it is tied to early 2nd century Christian liturgical traditions. St. Augustine’s (354-430 CE) Easter homily even accentuated the joy of this declaration and included a call to rejoice by adding to the end “Hallelujah” (Praise be to God!). Over time it continued as a common liturgical greeting and hymns were also written to express its celebratory tone in worship.
The modern use today, echoes the joy of the resurrection felt throughout the ages traced back to three days after Jesus’ death on the cross.
In the Bible, Luke 24 traces the steps of two women who went to the grave early on Sunday morning to traditionally treat the body of a deceased person. As they approached the gravesite they found the large stone, which had sealed the tomb, rolled away and no sign of the crucified Jesus. Two gleaming angels appeared and “In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words” (Luke 24:5-8).
In the resurrection, Jesus, fully God and man, validated his identity and fulfilled his mission to reconcile humanity to God. This transformative event had cosmic implications as evil was defeated and God’s kingdom was restored.
Easter represents hope and renewal for all, offering forgiveness and a restored relationship with God for all who believe and enter a relationship with God. Resurrection Sunday is the most important day in history, as it gave exclusive evidence of Jesus’ claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
So, the question remains — how will you respond to the truth of the resurrection? Will “He is risen indeed!” be more than just words on your lips, but the reality that shapes your life?
This Easter, may the joy of the empty tomb lead you to a trusting deeper faith, a renewed hope, and a life transformed by the risen Christ — so that with joyful confidence, you can declare, “He is risen indeed, Hallelujah!” and step fully into the abundant, purpose-filled life God has called you to live.
Frank Alioto serves as a chaplain in our community and is the Pastor at Roots Family Church, 907-252-0036.
