The answer is: False

It was still dark when Mary came to the empty tomb, (John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre). The tomb was already empty, the resurrection had already happened, perhaps hours before. Yet people gather together each year, face East and watch the rising sun as part of the resurrection service - much like a pagan sun worshipper would!

The tradition of the Easter Sunrise service has indeed evolved into a cherished ritual for many churches. When we think about Mary Magdalene approaching the empty tomb while it was still dark, we not only glimpse into the personal grief she experienced at the thought of losing her teacher but also into the broader symbolism the darkness presents. Light breaking through the darkness plays a major role not just in this story but can be seen throughout the Scriptures. For instance, Genesis introduces light piercing the chaos, establishing a theme that culminates in the Gospel resurrection account.

Isn’t it fascinating to think that sunrise services might echo older practices? In ancient cultures, the sunrise marked rebirth, an alignment after the winter’s darkness—the returning Sun, akin to fertility gods and seasonal celebrations. What separates the Christian interpretation is the focus on the resurrection as the promise of new life that defies the notion of seasonal death.

Interestingly, some traditions connect the practice back to the Jewish celebration of Passover, which is pivotal in establishing the historical backdrop of the resurrection event. Despite these intertwining legacies, historical records strongly suggest the resurrection itself occurred long before dawn, altering our perspective. It highlights a tension present in many religious practices: the balance between tradition and the original, perhaps more ambiguous, narratives of spiritual experiences. Isn’t that both humbling and enlightening?