We have been on a journey through the season of Lent.  We have walked the road from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday.  On Palm Sunday we make the journey with Jesus into Jerusalem as the whole multitude of disciples begins to praise God joyfully with a loud voice as they shout: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!  Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” 

On the same day we relive the Passion of Our Lord.  We follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane, we learn of his arrest and his appearance before the high priest and Pilate.  We hear the cries: “Crucify him!  Crucify him!”  We follow the crowds to the placed that is called the Skull where Jesus endures a horrible death by crucifixion.

As we enter Holy week we observe a Seder Supper, we gather on Maundy Thursday to hear how Jesus served as he washed the feet of his disciples and gave us a new commandment to love one another.  The sombre mood of Good Friday’s road to the cross will be replaced by the joy of Easter morning as we gather to celebrate the resurrection and Jesus’ victory over death and the grave. 

On Easter we celebrate with abandon.  The one who has died lives!  Flowers, which begin again the cycle of life, surround us.  The aroma of bread and wine remind us that the holy meal is a celebration for in it we confess that life is stronger than death under God’s reign and we have seen it with our own eyes as we declare: “Christ is risen!  Alleluia!”

Images of Easter

There’s a hint of warmth to come

in the steadily strengthening sunlight rays.

Lilies trumpet

herald the Easter dawn.

Eggs blaze with Paschal color

proclaim new life.

The buds on the trees await

bring promise

and hope of growth to come.

 

Hams and turkey.

Tables groan with food.

The aroma of hot cross buns fills the room.

Easter bread glistens

fresh from the oven.

The unmistakable odour of cabbage rolls

invites us to dine.

China seldom used

graces the table.

Silver is polished.

The welcome mat is out.

 

The silent cross.

The empty tomb.

The angel radiant in white.

The women frightened

then overcome with joy.

The disciples confused

in disbelief.

Our lives forever changed.

Because God so loved the world

that the only Son was sent

sent to me and you.

 

May your Easter season be filled with God’s richest blessings!

Pastor Darlene on behalf of the pastoral staff at New Hope.