Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." Jesus said to her, "Mary," (John 20:15-16 NIV).

No Christian would ever question that Easter is a time of celebration. The Christ, alive and arisen, proving that victory over sin, death and the grave has been won for all who call on His name.

But often, in the midst of family gatherings, church celebrations and services, and the common rituals that come with recognizing Easter, the personal nature of the Resurrection is lost.

Consider the significant and impressive ways that Jesus could have chosen to first appear following His Resurrection. Imagine a spectacular showing of His restored, unbroken body to the Pharisees as they gathered in the synagogue or a victorious appearance before the disciples as they gathered in a home - giving immediate relief to their mourning.

Amazingly, Jesus chose to appear to one person...a single soul whose life would be forever changed from this encounter...Mary Magdalene. As He called to her, "Woman why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" (Luke 20:15 NIV), she was blinded by her tears and had no idea who was standing before her.

Jesus, wanting the woman to see that she no longer needed to mourn, called out again, this time saying, "Mary," (Luke 20:16 NIV). Again, He could have called out something more regal - more kingly - drawing her attention to Himself with great power and ceremony. Instead, He called to her, only her, and allowed her to recognize a voice she had heard call to her so many times before in teaching and in comforting. She recognized Him immediately and turned to worship Him.

This Easter, consider how you recognize and accept the Resurrection. Is it only in church, surrounded by countless others? Or are you able to comprehend the desire Jesus has for you to embrace the promise of the Resurrection? Meet Him face to face as He comes to you in the quiet of the day to share with you His restored body and the life that eternally awaits you with Him in heaven.

Perhaps Jesus chose to appear to Mary alone to help her understand that just as He stood wholly restored, so did she. Celebrate intimately with Him this season as you live another day resurrected and destined for eternity with Jesus.

-Emily A. Vermilya

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her (Luke 20:18 NIV).