United Methodist News
“How does Easter end? With an “R”!”
As Christians, we know that the celebration of the resurrection
of Jesus doesn’t end. It colors our every experience, our losses, and
our worst days. In the West, Easter falls during springtime, which makes
is easier to remember hope. As bulbs send green sprouts through the earth and as the
heavy buds promise an explosion of spring, there’s an echo in nature reminding us of
the resurrections of Christ and the promise that we too will conquer over death. Today
these words from Phillip Brooks have been on my mind:
Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer; Death is strong, but Life is stronger,
Stronger than the dark, the light, Stronger than the wrong, the right,
Faith and Hope triumphant say, Christ will rise on Easter Day.
While the patient earth lies waking Till the morning shall be breaking,
Shuddering ‘neath the burden dread of her Master, cold and dead —
Hark! she hears the Angels say, Christ will rise on Easter Day.
And when sunrise smites the mountains, Pouring light from Heavenly fountains.
Then the earth blooms out to greet Once again the blessed feet;
And her countless voices say, Christ has risen on Easter Day.
Because of the resurrection, I have hope beyond reason. Hope that God will yet
build back his Church. Hope that our church is a place where lives are transformed,
marriages strengthened, and faith restored. In Christ, I can look at the worst day and
trust that it is not the last day. Jesus and his Church will have the final word and it will
be one of victory! Thanks be to God!

Pastor Vicki