John 20:15-16 – "Woman," [Jesus] said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" 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." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). (NIV)

One day last year, while my husband and I were sitting in the lounge at the cancer centre, one of the patients started playing the piano. That day, I was a little apprehensive since we were waiting to hear the results of my husband's CT scan. Yet as I listened to the woman play, I felt a sense of peace that everything was going to be all right. Almost immediately, I recognized the tune—a popular hymn called, In the Garden by C. Austin Miles. Although I had sung it many times before, somehow this was different—like the music had been sent from heaven and was delivered especially to me.

Later that day, with curiosity, I searched the Internet for some historical data associated with this beautiful song, written in 1912. What I learned was an amazing story. Apparently, the author, an amateur photographer, was in his darkroom waiting for the film to develop when he had an unusual vision depicting the scene in today's Scripture. He described the event in these words: "I seemed to be a part of the scene. I became a silent witness to that dramatic moment in Mary's life when she knelt before her Lord and cried, "Rabboni!"

Regarding his experience, C. Austin Miles goes on to say, "I awakened in full light, gripping the Bible, with muscles tense and nerves vibrating. Under the inspiration of this vision, I wrote as quickly as the words could be formed the poem exactly as it has since appeared. That same evening I wrote the music." After reading this wonderful testimony, I wondered if the writer of this hymn had any idea how his vision of the garden would inspire believers for generations to come.

Now, imagine yourself at the scene of the resurrection watching the incredible reunion between Mary and her risen Lord. How would you describe this wonderful event? Listen to the Master's voice. In what ways has He commissioned you to use your gifts such as writing, music, and verbal skills to communicate what you have seen and heard?

Prayer: Shine, O Lord, Your light in every dark room of our lives. Grant us the vision to see and hear what Mary experienced in the garden on the first morning of Your resurrection. Bless our hearts with songs of praise as we, too, share in the glory of our risen Saviour. Use the testimonies of all who believe so that others may know that He lives. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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