
Though we sit in the in-between times, though there is darkness in the world, though we mourn the death and destruction that is present in our world, both from our own actions and the actions of others...nevertheless, we hold fast to the hope and promise that God will bring life out of death and victory out of defeat.
That is the hope and the paradox of the cross: through Christ's death, we receive life. Jesus Christ lovingly, willingly, self-sacrificially went to his death so that we might receive the life that God desires for us. And we, as Christ's followers, are called to likewise take up our cross for the sake of others. We are called to lovingly, willingly, self-sacrificially serve, just as Christ served us.
God's victory is a strange victory. It makes no sense from the standpoint of the kingdoms and empires and power structures of our world. To every eye, the death of Jesus marked a defeat. But in God's Kingdom, in God's economy, Christ's death was the beginning of something new. It turned the tables on the powers of evil, for evil could not keep him in the grave.
As we pass through this Holy Week, though we pass through the darkness, may we be reminded of the hope that is in us and may we live as Jesus lived: with love and compassion and mercy, never repaying evil for evil, always holding fast to the hope of God's Kingdom.
Join us for worship, communion, and celebration: Maundy Thursday (6:30pm), Good Friday (6:30pm), and Easter Sunday (9:30am breakfast, 10:30am worship).