Christ has died,
Christ has risen,
Christ will come again!

 

Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

 

With this resurrection, we no longer fear death; the sorrow of the past three days is transformed by the news of the empty tomb—Jesus is not here; He is risen from the dead, just as He promised.

 

Throughout this season, we’ve explored what it means to observe Lent and Holy Week.

 

Now, let’s reflect on how we celebrate Easter.

 

Easter is more than chocolate bunnies and jelly beans, baskets overflowing with candy, new outfits, or blooming flowers. So, how do you celebrate Easter?

• • Enjoying breakfast at church
  • Indulging in donuts and pastries
  • Spotting ducks, bunnies, and chicks
  • Listening to brass and choirs filled with vibrant music
  • Taking naps after the service
  • Adorning our spaces with lilies, tulips, and hydrangeas
  • Creating lily crosses
  • Sneezing from the pollen!
  • Joyfully singing the hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today!
  • Resurrecting the Alleluias and celebrating them boldly
  • Sharing laughter
  • Hearing the Easter Story once again from the Gospels of Luke and John

 

Easter has arrived, affirming our belief that Christ is risen indeed! This is a time when we boldly tell the story of the Resurrection. It intertwines our story with God’s Story and the stories of others, which is why we gather as a church. Our existence as a community is rooted in the narrative of salvation—God’s profound love for us, expressed through the sacrifice of His only Son so that we may live. Easter is the heart of our faith, inviting us to share this good news and extend God’s love in Jesus to all.

 

Easter Blessings,
+ Bishop Dillahunt and the Southern Ohio Synod Staff