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But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices which they had prepared.

And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body.

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel; and as they were frightened, and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them,

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise.”

And they remembered his words and returning from the tomb they told all this to the 11 and all the rest.

— Luke 24:1-9, Holy Bible

Today is Easter Sunday, the holiest day of the year for Christians.

This year, however, is different than any other most people celebrating today have ever experienced. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, people are sheltering in place and social distancing to help curtail the spread of the deadly virus.

Rather than congregating in houses of worship, most Christians are sheltering in place.

Technology, however, has helped us stay connected even as we are separated like never before. Plenty of churches are using technology to spread the Gospel to vast audiences through internet services.

As they prepared their Easter messages, pastors throughout the Miss-Lou said they see a connection in the miracle of Easter and the pandemic we are living through. They see a message of hope in that connection in that faith in the resurrection can inspire Christians to weather through the tough uncertain times we are experiencing.

Just like after the dark days of the crucifixion and burial, Christ arose and fulfilled the promise of eternal life, we too will emerge after the dark days of this pandemic to a brighter day.

Keep the faith. Happy Easter!