Alleluia!  Christ is Risen!! 

 

What an incredible way to be able to begin Easter Sunrise worship!  After walking the Lenten journey and remembering the horrific events of Holy Week, to be able to announce the Good News is absolutely wonderful; one of the best parts of being a parish pastor.  I sincerely hope and pray that you were able to hear those words this Easter morning and responded with joy and conviction: " He is risen, indeed!  Alleluia!"

 

For Good News without response is still good news but falls a little flat.  For life is all about give and take, offering and response.  The focus of our lives is always on God and what God has done for us in Jesus the Christ and then on what our response to such gracious and giving love might be. 

 

Life is approached just a little differently when we live as Easter Christians in a Good Friday world.  Lots of "bad stuff" continues to happen in and around us, to us, to those we love, and to others whom we may not know, but whose hurting impacts us none- the- less.  Knowing that whatever happens will not change God's love for us or our ultimate destination, frees us to put all things in their proper perspective and not get so "caught up" in the day to day difficulties of this world.  We are free to share and care and let go of our insecurities and our frustrations, knowing that life is about something deeper and of more substance than the temporary nature of what surrounds us.

 

Before the candy is gone and the lilies are dead, commit yourself to weekly worship and daily prayer and devotions, that you might regularly be renewed and reminded that life is fuller and more complete when you live in response to the good news:  Alleluia!  Christ is Risen! 

 

Peace,

 

Pastor Carol