Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
There was a particular custom in the first century Roman Empire among the early Christians. They would put wreaths made of laurel on the graves of their deceased family and friends. Laurel wreaths had been used to crown the victors of athletic contests. They would take those laurel wreaths and place them on the graves to symbolize their belief that through Jesus Christ death has been defeated. As we look to Easter, we also affirm our conviction that sin and death have been defeated. Sin and death hold no power over us. Our power is in Jesus who has been raised from the dead.
The disciples came to Jesus’s tomb while it was still dark. The darkness was both a literal reality as well as a spiritual state for these disciples. But the darkness was soon overcome with light. As the sun began to rise, they realized that the Son had risen. Easter promises us that in the midst of our deepest darkness the Son rises to overwhelm the darkness forever. At Easter we can boldly proclaim “Christ is risen!” And this is our affirmation of faith that through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit the darkness will never overwhelm us.
This short little poem by an unknown author says it best:
“The tomb could hold Him no 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 arose that Resurrection day!’”
I hope you will take the opportunity to join us for Holy Week services this week. I especially hope you will join your brothers and sisters in person or online for Easter worship on Sunday, April 4 at 10:00 in the sanctuary. The passion, death, and resurrection of Christ is the defining event of our life. Because Christ Jesus is risen from the dead we have new life.
I love this congregation and it is my honor to serve as your pastor. Please let me know how I can be in prayer for you or of service to you — especially right now during these times. I thank God for all of you and pray that the light of God in Christ Jesus our Lord will shine in your life so that you may know the love and hope of God.
In the light and love of Christ,
Rev. Eric Pridmore