To those who walk with Jesus in The Journey:

     Easter.  It brings a smile to everyone's face.  Why?
     Well, it is a celebration.  And it's usually a low stress celebration.  The stores don't merchandise Easter like they do Christmas.  Family get togethers are usually more relaxed than, say, Thanksgiving.  There's feasting and resting.  It's a time for young and old alike.  And it signals the coming of Spring.
     And that's just for starters.  Easter is a wonderful time.
     It is also, whether most folks realize it or not, a time to start over.  The Church recognizes it as the day when Jesus rose from the dead, showing us that God's power is greater than anything we experience on earth - even our own death.  We Christians remember this great spiritual triumph and more forward, year after year, as we await Jesus' greater return.
     Resurrection has two meanings.  First is the meaning we all know - to bring back to life.  But the second is lesser known, but much related - to bring into use again.  Easter is the day that we celebrate two miracles.  The first is recalling Jesus' own resurrection and knowing that it leads to our own resurrection after death.  And the second is that we are moved from sin and having been separated from God back into use in God's service.
     Throughout Lent, we have looked within to find exactly where we can separate ourselves from God.  We have thought and prayed about how we can once again experience the wholeness God's Spirit brings.  Conviction and Grace lead to Forgiveness.  And once we stand again in a right relationship with God, we are again fit to be used by Him.  We are resurrected - brought again - into God's will for our lives.
     Easter is more than bunnies and candies and baked ham.  Easter is the recognition of the greatest gift ever given to humanity:  the chance to begin again.
     Here's our promise: we are Easter people.  God is able to work through us time and time again - if we are open to Him.  So let's open our hearts this Spring and expect a resurrection!
     Marcia and I wish you an exciting and blessed Easter.

Pastor Jon West