Rejoice! "Jesus is alive!"

We can become so familiar with our Christian story that we lose the shock and awe of this day. Jesus, bodily present, is raised from the dead. Not merely resuscitated, but transformed in a beautifully transfigured body. He has defeated sin and death!

This is the "Good News" that compelled the earliest disciples to get over their fear and go to the ends of the earth, proclaiming "Jesus Christ is Lord!" This is the meaning of the glorious celebration of today, this feast of Easter Sunday, and why the world has never been the same since the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this glorious day, please join us in praying our Community Easter Prayer for ourselves, our families, and one another:

Good and gracious God,
As we greet the signs of Spring’s renewal:
of flowers and trees once again in bloom,
in the songs of returning birds and fields soon to be planted,
we give you praise for an even greater sign of new life:
the Resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ.
The sadness and despair of his death have given way
to the bright promise of immortality.
For his Resurrection is our guarantee
that justice will triumph over iniquity,
light will overcome darkness,
and love will conquer death.
We ask your special blessings on our families,
our community, our country and our world;
on all those who are sick, all those who care for them;
and all who suffer from violence, hunger, and fear.
We ask your mercy on all those who have died,
and your comfort on all who grieve loved ones.
With your help, may we become beacons of hope and justice
in a world hungry for peace and so in need of your love.
We praise you in this Easter season.
Lord, enable us to live in your promise of Easter hope now and forever.
Amen.

Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Easter!