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It seems as though we have just turned the calendars over to the year 2026; yet, in just a few short weeks we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday (April 5th)!  It seems “early” this year because of the “late” date last year (April 20th).  Unlike our Christmas celebrations – with a fixed date – the date for our annual Sunday celebration of the resurrection of Jesus can be anywhere from Mar. 22nd to April 25th.  So, while it seems “early,” this year’s date actually falls right in the middle of that range.

 

Why does the date we celebrate shift?

Traditionally (since A.D. 325), Resurrection Sunday has been celebrated on:

the 1st Sunday

after the 1st full moon (called the Paschal Full Moon)

after the first day of spring (called the vernal equinox)

[yes, it’s a bit confusing]

The celebration of the empty tomb, the Risen Christ, & the eternal hope we find in Him is not confined to one Sunday in March or April!  We can – and we should – celebrate the resurrection of Jesus each time we gather, together (and each day in our own lives).  But we also set aside this specific day, “Easter Day,” to remember the sacrifice made and the implications thereof.

 

“...if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile

and you are still in your sins...But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead,

the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

1 Cor. 15:17, 20 ESV

 

This year, as we look forward to this significant day of celebration, I want to challenge you...

  1. Recommit yourself to follow Jesus. What a great time to renew your commitment to Christ by engaging in spiritual disciplines, turning from sin, availing yourself to be used in His hand for His glory.
  2. Reach out to someone who has drifted. It is likely that when you read that sentence someone came quickly to your mind.  Make the prayerful and intentional effort to reach out to them & invite them to gather with us.
  3. Recommit to your church-family. God’s plan for Christ-followers is to thrive in the life for which He has saved us, indwelled us with the Holy Spirit, and equipped us.  But we are people, and we fail and disappoint one another.  Recommit to being an encouraging, participating, serving, giving, active & faithful member of this family.  Maybe get to know a member you haven’t spent much time with (maybe take them to lunch, or buy them a coffee, or invite them into your home).  God has providentially positioned them in your life and you in theirs (all for your good and His glory.
  4. Tell someone about coming to faith in Christ. Be transparent with someone and tell them that you want to grow in your faithfulness to share with others your faith in Jesus – how much He means to you.  Then take a couple of minutes to share when the Lord brought you to an understanding of your need for forgiveness, your yielded yourself to Him, and He saved you.
  5. Seek to encourage a brother or sister. Our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus is about celebrating victory.  Seek to honor God by celebrating what He has done through someone else – like someone who has made an impact in your life.  Maybe you’ve noticed their faith, seen how they’ve walked through difficulty, witnessed their sense of peace, watched them as they stood on the truth.  Let them know what it has meant to you; it will water their soul.

 

May we see the resurrected Jesus reign in us!  And as we do, may He be magnified among us!

May the LORD bless & lead us as we seek Him.

                                                              

Pastor loves you!

And I’m honored to serve HIM alongside you.