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He Is Risen!

 

Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Christ is risen, and every day is a good day to celebrate his victory over sin and death, but if you're reading this on the first (when we send it out) then we still have a couple important things to remember before we get to the empty tomb. On Thursday we'll commemorate the Last Supper, when Jesus (again) commanded his disciples to love one another, demonstrated his humility and grace, and give us the gift of Holy Communion. And on Friday we'll remember his arrest and crucifixion.

 

Pausing at the foot of the cross is heavy. It's somber and sad, if we do it right. We often want to rush straight to the resurrection, but there's no empty tomb to celebrate without Jesus being laid there after dying on the cross. The crucifixion can feel like an interruption of the joyful spirit of Easter, but the reality is that the true joy of Easter isn't the decoration or the chocolates or even the special time with family (though those are all nice fringe benefits), it is Jesus victory over sin and death, and the freedom and new life that are ours because of it! He is risen--and so will we be--because he first laid down his life.

 

This year lets pause for a moment to feel the weight of the cross (together at 7pm on Friday, if you can make it) so that our celebrating on Sunday will be even more joyful and meaningful. He is risen, indeed! 

Blessings,

Pastor Nate