Dear Friends in Christ,
The powerful music and moving story of our “Because He Lives” cantata still echo deeply in our hearts, don’t they? Jesus Christ, through the suffering of the cross and the glory of the resurrection, gifted us with eternal life. His being alive isn’t just a historical event from two thousand years ago; it’s a constant source of fresh strength and courage for us living today – an ongoing grace.
So, how do we keep that warm feeling of Easter morning alive as we go about our daily lives? The moment we step outside the church doors, we’re back on the big stage of the world. There, we still face problems to solve, challenges to overcome, and sometimes, sorrows that feel overwhelming. But as believers in the risen Jesus, we no longer have to be trapped by despair and defeat. Because He lives.
Experiencing the power of the resurrection in our lives doesn’t always come through big, dramatic events. It’s often in the small, quiet moments, like the gentle chirping of birds greeting the dawn. It shows up in our everyday in subtle yet real ways.
Personally, I can share a little bit of that experience with you this week. Maybe it was the letdown after all the Easter preparations, but I ended up catching a cold and spent the last week feeling pretty under the weather. It’s only now that I’m starting to feel like myself again, and in a way, that return to health feels like its own little resurrection.
In a kind word of comfort that comes just when you need it: You know that feeling of coming home tired after a long day, and a loving word of encouragement from family just melts away the stress? That’s like the dawn breaking through the darkest night – it’s the risen Lord reaching out to comfort us. His love finds us in unexpected moments in our busy lives, bringing a gentle peace.
In the joy that flows from small acts of sharing and service: The deep happiness you feel when you share a warm meal with a neighbor living alone, or offer a little help to a coworker who’s struggling. That’s not so different from the life-giving joy that poured out of Jesus’ empty tomb. The risen Lord wants to work through us, to be channels of love and service. Our small actions can be powerful witnesses to the resurrection in the world.
In the hope you hold onto even when facing unexpected difficulties: Sometimes, life throws storms at us that feel too big to handle. A business setback, the sudden loss of someone dear, or a health scare can leave us feeling deeply lost. But because we believe in the risen Jesus, we don’t lose hope, no matter what. Just as the Lord overcame the suffering of the cross and rose again, we trust that He is with us in every situation and will ultimately bring us through. Like a seed waiting for spring even in the harsh winter, the life of the resurrection is firmly planted within us.
Dear friends, Easter isn’t just a single day we commemorate; it’s a daily walk with the risen Lord. When we sense His love in our small, everyday moments, when we put His way of serving into practice, and when we hold onto the hope He gives us, we truly experience the power of the resurrection in our lives.
May the joy of “Because He Lives” continue to fill every moment of your week, and all the days ahead, so that you may live as vibrant witnesses to the resurrection in the world.
With heartfelt blessings
