Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead. This belief is called the 'resurrection'. For them, this wasn't just an amazing thing to happen: it means a lot more.

Christians believe that Jesus is alive today. They don't believe that he is dead and gone. They believe that Jesus is still close to them.

This has some important meanings: Saying Jesus is alive today means that they can be close to Jesus when they pray. Saying Jesus is alive today means Christians are specially close to Jesus in the sacraments - especially when they receive his Body and Blood at Mass. Saying Jesus is alive today means that they when someone dies, they can hope to live with Jesus in heaven.

Christians say that believing in Jesus changes their lives. They know that the life they now is not the only life. They can hope for a life in heaven which is much better than life on earth.

Answer these Questions

What does the word 'resurrection' mean? What do Christians believe happened to Jesus after he had died? Why is it important to Christians to believe in the resurrection? A person your age has died. Write a letter or an imaginary conversation to that person's parents or best friend explaining why belief in the resurrection can comfort them? Why does believing in the resurrection change the way Christians live now? If you can, give an example of what this belief might mean.