“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” Luke 24: 1-3

As I write these words, Easter is just days away. Every year as this day nears, I find myself hoping that this Easter will be extra special. I believe our Easter celebration will be extra special this year for a couple of reasons.

First of all, this is the first time I have the opportunity to share in the Good News that Jesus has risen from the dead – Alleluia with each of you. I always enjoy the first year at a new appointment because of being able to share in the most intimate and most holy celebration with new fellow Christian brothers and sisters. These moments allow me to witness how God is working in your lives which is very exciting and quite a humbling experience. Thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you.

Secondly, I am not sure what happened last year with Easter as we were all still feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but this year we are able to celebrate as closely as possible to what is considered “normal”. No matter what has occurred in your lives because of the pandemic, one thing that will never change is to know that the events of Easter have not changed.

The one true absolute that every Christian believes in and holds onto is that when the women went to the tomb on that first Easter morning, Jesus was not there – He was risen from the dead! The empty tomb confirms the greatest news of all time…that God raised Jesus from the dead and he appeared to many-in the flesh. It confirms that God is more powerful than death; more powerful than loneliness, hopelessness, fear, anxiety…and coronavirus! In fact, it confirms that there is nothing more powerful than God. NOTHING can ever or will ever be able to change that reality in which we as believers hold true. Without the resurrection, there would be no Christianity.

On Easter Sunday morning, when you see the white lilies, keep in mind…The Easter lily, or as some refer to as “white-robed apostles of hope”, has the shape of a trumpet which symbolizes the announcement that Jesus has risen. Lilies represent rebirth and hope, just as the resurrection does in the Christian faith. I hope to see you and your family on Easter Sunday morning, April 17th 2022, for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and worship at 11:00am.

Let’s celebrate this Easter together!

Blessings,

Rev. Melissa I. Geisler