April-May 2017 Newsletter
Posted on April 24, 2017 by spiritofjoy No comments
Jesus Christ is Risen Today! Alleluia!
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” — Matthew 28:5-6
On the first Easter Sunday morning, two women were in for the surprise of their lives. Instead of finding a closed tomb, they found an open grave, and an angel greeting them. For them and for every follower of the Lord Jesus, life would never be the same. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead changed the course of history.
The resurrection is God’s way of announcing that our life does not have to be a one-way journey to the cemetery. God is saying we don’t have to be stuck in our past. The risen Savior has hit the delete button on our sins. We don’t have to wonder who’s in charge, because this Savior has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. And we don’t have to wonder what’s ahead, because nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
So let’s celebrate this Easter Season! Sing out loud: “Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!” And if you are not able to attend church, take some time to praise God that Jesus is alive. With Christians around the world we can say, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
1 Jesus Christ is ris’n today, Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!
2 Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
unto Christ, our heav’nly king, Alleluia!
who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!
3 But the pains which he endured, Alleluia!
our salvation have procured; Alleluia!
now above the sky he’s king, Alleluia!
where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!
4 Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
praise eternal as his love; Alleluia!
praise him, all you heav’nly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!
Text: Latin carol, 14th cent., sts. 1-3; tr. J. Walsh, Lyra Davidica, 1708, alt.; Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, st. 4