Easter is kind of a big deal. It is at the heart of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul writes,
“if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain….If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:14 and 17). Because of the resurrection, we have forgiveness for our sins and the promise of everlasting life with God.
Easter in the church is a big deal too. It is the day we gather to hear the word proclaimed: Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! We come together to celebrate, to give thanks, to give glory to God. We are stirred to believe the message that in life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.
Last Sunday was a wonderful day. The sanctuary was filled with over 400 people that morning. The flowers were beautiful and they were reminders of the wonderful people to which they were dedicated. The music and choir lifted our spirits and stirred our hearts. The scripture lessons told the good news of the day and the children’s time got our hearts pounding. These were wonderful moments where we came together to hear the good news of God’s love and care for us and for our world. It was great to see faces that we haven’t seen for a while and some new faces that we hope to see again. And have many join in online as well.
Easter is really not a moment or a date on a calendar but rather a way to live. We are called to be “Easter People” that live and move in the hope and confidence that was present on that first Easter morning. The challenge and the opportunity for us all is live as though every day is Easter.
Let’s show the world what is to be people of love and forgiveness who walk in the way that leads to life.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Steve Larsen