Greeting in the name of Christ Jesus!
The month of March brings us through our journey of Lent; into Holy Week and the celebration of Easter. Spring arrives in the midst of this season and we are reminded of new life—as Christians we celebrate Easter each and every Sunday of the year! May you be blessed as the Lenten journey comes to a close and you worship through Holy Week and Easter. We have moved through the beautiful liturgy of Holden Evening Prayer; hearing the contrasts of biblical characters and events which run parallel to a more contemporary context. (GLIMPSES: Now and Then) Together, as a community of faith, we move towards Holy Week and the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter!). Upon our lips that morning with be: “Jesus is Risen!” Carry with you those words as the story unfolds, as it did in the past, and continues to this day!
Jerusalem, the Holy City is abuzz with the crowd and sounds as Jesus enters on a donkey
Enemies look for a time to capture and bring Jesus to trial.
Several disciples follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane. Do they know what is ahead?
Under arrest, Jesus is questioned: “Are you the King of the Jews?” “You say that I am”
Suffering from the wounds from the whipping and dragging, Jesus is led to Calvary where he is crucified.
IS this the end?
Radiant light surrounded the angel at the tomb, who announces: “He is not here, He is RISEN!”
Indeed the promise is fulfilled! Jesus was the ultimate gift of grace; going to death, the grave, to the dead and conquering sin, death and the devil!
Soon after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples; making it clear that he indeed had risen.
Each and every one of us is a receiver--- a receiver of life, forgiveness, eternal life and salvation because of what God has done in Jesus Christ! It is a gift that keeps on giving!
Now is the time for celebration! Now is the time of affirmation! Now is the time to claim the promises we have as baptized children of God! JESUS IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!
Pastor Carol
P.S. do you get the impression that I like to “play” with words!??!!
