Christ is risen!
I am shortly heading off for a holiday in the Holy Land, but before I go I am trying to gather together my reflections on this Easter season. I enjoyed planning a Maundy Thursday communion service, and there is something very special about sharing communion around a table, a connection back to Christ and his disciples. Going up to Ruardean Hill Baptist church to join in their Good Friday service was also very special (due to other commitments I had to miss what I gather was a very good service of Meditation for Good Friday at our church). Then on Easter Day we had the joy of welcoming Beth our former minister back and those who were able shared a lunch with her afterwards.
However, there were also moments of sadness. Derek, who was supposed to be leading our service, was not able to be with us due to his wife being taken ill shortly beforehand and our much loved secretary, John, was also not able to attend, due to his and his wife's continued ill health. We missed these special people very much, and it was so sad they could not share in our pleasure at seeing Beth again, and also share the joy that Easter brings.
Due to Derek's absence I was preaching, and my message was that we need to remember how shocking the resurrection actually was. And, when confronted with this risen Lord, what should our reaction be? Like the women who visited the tomb that first Easter (Matt 28: 1 - 10) we should worship, witness and follow.
