Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Hello Church! Easter greetings to you all.
Depending on when you are reading this, Easter may or may not have passed. However, the promise of the resurrection is alive and flowing. This is the promise of new life. In Lent, we are reminded of mortality. We are reminded of our sins, and we learn that death is a natural thing. However, in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are promised that we, too, will rise again and that death is not the final chapter. We are shown that we are a people of death and life. Our mortal bodies may change, but our life in Christ will always remain. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3;16 NRSV).
However, in the resurrection, we are also promised a new life now. A life filled with joy, hope, and love. In the resurrection, Christ makes all things new. You. Me. All of Creation! God breathes new life into all things, and sets all things free to thrive, grow, and love. One of my favorite things about this time of the year is seeing all the flowers bloom, and the trees regaining their color. I love seeing the Cherry Blossoms, and at most churches, you will at the very least be seeing the tulips arising from the ground. This life is a reminder for me of the life that we are promised in Christ’s resurrection. It is a reminder of God’s love and mercy for us. In Luke 12, Jesus says to his disciples:
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
The promise of the resurrection is that God brings life to all of creation and that means all of us. This is because we are a part of God’s creation and we are of God’s kingdom. So, if God raises the tulips, then God raises us too. So, in this Easter season, I challenge you to recognize this new life. I challenge you to walk in the light of Christ that is the light of life. “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1 NRSV)
Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan
Hello Church! Easter greetings to you all.
Depending on when you are reading this, Easter may or may not have passed. However, the promise of the resurrection is alive and flowing. This is the promise of new life. In Lent, we are reminded of mortality. We are reminded of our sins, and we learn that death is a natural thing. However, in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are promised that we, too, will rise again and that death is not the final chapter. We are shown that we are a people of death and life. Our mortal bodies may change, but our life in Christ will always remain. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3;16 NRSV).
However, in the resurrection, we are also promised a new life now. A life filled with joy, hope, and love. In the resurrection, Christ makes all things new. You. Me. All of Creation! God breathes new life into all things, and sets all things free to thrive, grow, and love. One of my favorite things about this time of the year is seeing all the flowers bloom, and the trees regaining their color. I love seeing the Cherry Blossoms, and at most churches, you will at the very least be seeing the tulips arising from the ground. This life is a reminder for me of the life that we are promised in Christ’s resurrection. It is a reminder of God’s love and mercy for us. In Luke 12, Jesus says to his disciples:
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
The promise of the resurrection is that God brings life to all of creation and that means all of us. This is because we are a part of God’s creation and we are of God’s kingdom. So, if God raises the tulips, then God raises us too. So, in this Easter season, I challenge you to recognize this new life. I challenge you to walk in the light of Christ that is the light of life. “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1 NRSV)
Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan
