From the pastor's pen...

 

APRIL 2019

 

Dear Church Family,

           It was Sunday morning after the Friday execution. The sky was dark. The disciples had scattered. Jesus was dead and buried. End of story? Right?

            Wrong.

            There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angels said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:2-6)

            The resurrection changed everything.

            If these words had never been spoken, if the body of Jesus had decayed into dust, we would not be discussing the amazing promise of Easter. But these words were spoken, and the promise was made.

            Jesus went on a “resurrection tour.” He appeared to the women near the tomb. He appeared to the followers in the Upper Room. He appeared to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. He appeared to his friends on the shores of Galilee. He spoke with them. He ate with them. They touched his body; they heard his words. They were convinced that Jesus was raised from the dead. They also believed that his resurrection is the preview and promise of ours. What God did for him, God will do for us. Thanks be to God! We can anticipate our own resurrection and the resurrections of those whom we love by viewing the resurrection of Christ.

            This Easter, and in every day to come, make this promise a cornerstone of your faith. View death through the lens of Christ’s resurrection. The grave brings sorrow, for sure, but it need not bring despair. The tomb could not hold Christ, and since Christ is in you, it will not hold you.

            In 1st Corinthians 15:54, we again are faced with God’s promise: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

            Celebrate this victory with us on Easter Sunday and on all the Sundays to come! Be a part of Christ’s “resurrection tour!”

            Alleluia! He is risen!

            I wish you all the joy and blessings of Easter.

                                                                                                                                      In Christ's service,

                                                                    

                                                Rev. Dawn Seaman