Dear Easter People,

“And it had better be true!” is the title of a powerful poem by the late Pastor Gerhard Frost, who writes about “Easter as highest necessity!” Hold those thoughts together for a moment: The impossibly Good News that Christ has conquered death and sin forever is something we need to be true! In this world of so much death and destruction-and in our own dealings with death-we need a word of hope and promise. “Easter” is that word! “I am the resurrection and the life-whoever believes in me, though they die, yet shall they live!” is that promise!

And the “Easter as highest necessity” part? There are all kinds of things we do need in life, and much more that many of us think we need. Plenty of our sisters and brothers nearby and around the world do need food, shelter, clean water, health care, justice, opportunity. We all need good and trustworthy leaders, a health environment, a purpose for living, a sense of belonging. And, we really do all need Easter!

We need that assurance that God has something more in store! That God is capable of making all things new-even now! And we need to realize that we have a part to play in this unfolding, ongoing story! We have Good News to share! And the people around us, and the world need it!

So, thank you, for being Easter People, who share the joy of Jesus in your own simple and loving ways. Thank you for being Easter People who challenge the forces of evil and death all around. Thank you for being Easter People whose hopes are not primarily in the NFL draft, or in the Stock Market, or in earthly saviors, but whose hopes are in the power, the presence, and the promise of our Living Lord!

- Pastor Paul