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Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

Happy Easter!

 

Easter is really a big deal. Jesus Christ is risen! It’s not just a thing of the past – Jesus Christ is truly present and alive today.

 

That’s why we can sing with confidence:

 

“Up from the grave he arose with a mighty triumph o’er His foes

He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign.

He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!”  (Written and composed by Robert Lowry)

 

To experience the resurrected Jesus is to be set free from that which holds us down, that which limits us and confines us. Experiencing the presence of resurrected Jesus transforms sorrow to joy, despair to hope, fear to faith and indifference to love.

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Jesus has triumphed over death and comes to set us free. That’s why we shout:

“He is Risen!”

 

The unexpected resurrection announcement didn’t take away all the disciples’ questions, their uncertainty, or their fears. Rather, the announcement of “He is Risen” enables them and us to keep faith amid our fears, questions, and uncertainty and to share this great news despite still not understanding.  

 

Because in the resurrection we see glimpses of God’s promise - that life is stronger than death, that love is greater than hate, that mercy overcomes judgment, and that all the sufferings and difficulties of this life do not have the last word.

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As you shout “He is Risen” may you experience Jesus’ presence in your life now and always bringing new life and giving you hope.

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In Christ,

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Pastor Judy Holmen

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Interim Director of Northern Plains Via de Cristo of North Dakota