Easter is about more than an open tomb because Jesus is opening the lives of believers with his love, the head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church told members of his denomination in his 2013 Easter message.

"Easter. It is about more than an open tomb. It is the good news of the risen Christ who opens lives," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA said in a video message released earlier this month.

Rev. Hanson put the message in the context of the what Jesus' disciples experienced after his death and what they heard from Him after resurrection.

"Their lives were closed down by fear, disappointment and confusion. The risen Christ appeared saying 'peace be with you' and opened their lives with a liberating word of reconciliation," he said.

"In the same way Christ opens your life with a baptismal promise that joins your life to his death and resurrection. 'You are my child. Nothing in all creation will separate you from my love,'" he added.

He told members that Christ was opening their lives 'into a holy calling that fills the world with love' and 'a community that can bear suffering with confidence, and sorrow with hope."

"Christ opens you to God's work of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, is opening this way of life for you," he concluded.