Dear Christ Church Family,

 

With these words, the church begins her celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For it is the resurrection that declares the fulfillment of God’s decisive and singular intervention in human history – accomplished by and made available through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus, the only begotten son of God, entered human history "to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mt 20:28). And, it’s the resurrection that verifies and permeates Christ’s nature, purpose and mission.

 

It was the early church’s steadfast conviction in the resurrection that gave them the courage to spread the good news of Christ’s saving love to the then known world. The early church affected this mission, even in the face of opposition and violent persecution; because the resurrection confirmed everything they had come to believe about the nature, mission and ministry of Jesus.

 

It’s true - the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead changes everything.

 

Because of Jesus and the new life, he brings to those “in Christ” - our sins are not forever, our failures are not fatal and our deaths are not final.

 

This wonderful truth changes everything for us, it gives the followers of Jesus (the church) meaning and purpose. The uniqueness of Jesus Christ - the truth of his word, the witness of his life, the reality of his death and the wonder of his Resurrection - indeed changes everything.

 

Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!

Exult, all creation around God’s throne!

Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!

Sound the trumpet of salvation!

 

May God richly bless you and yours this Easter and always.