(This date is based on the lunar calendar, not today’s solar calendar. So, it is best to check your current calendar to learn the date for this celebration.)
GREETING
Alleluia! What a great morning to be alive, God of life and love!
Dew is still on the grass, but already the world has totally changed!
Christ has transformed death from an end, into eternal beginning!
His tomb is empty, but his new kingdom is welcoming immigrants!
Here we are, God, bags in hand, ready for orientation and training!
Establish our risen Savior as sovereign in all we think, say and do!
Christ is risen! So call us Christians, alleluia people raised on love!
Alleluia! He is alive! Christ really is alive! Thanks be to you, God!
HYMN 307 “Christ Is Risen”
PSALM 150
PRAYER
Loving Creator, Father of Every Child, Savior and Holy Friend,
This is a day of love marching into a loveless world.
In Jesus you lovingly and patiently let us nail you onto our cross,
and in Jesus you gave up your life to save us by love.
It was your love that we laid in that cold, barren tomb last Friday.
But love is stronger than death, and it is not silenced.
No tomb can hold a force more powerful than even a black hole.
Out of death’s forever-dark grip, Jesus walked free.
The stone rolled away, and Jesus just walked out. Love did that.
Then love led him to those grieving his death most.
Was he angry that they abandoned, denied and still could not see?
No. Love led him to them to turn their grief to joy.
Tears for what they had lost, became tears for all they had gained.
Their friend, their hope, their love was theirs again.
Suddenly the sun shined in their world, and truth began to dawn.
God’s love for them had conquered all sin and death.
Jesus’ love for God, and his love for the world God had created,
changed everything and introduced a new kingdom.
In Jesus’ new kingdom, self-sacrificing, no-strings-attached love
works the miracles needed by those short on love.
In this kingdom the necessity of the crucifixion finds fulfillment
in the everlasting relief and joy of Easter resurrection.
Our dark prison is gone. Now we live in the light of eternal day.
Love has won our salvation and victory. Alleluia!
Our lives are embraced, cherished, enjoyed, loved by you, God!
We live in you, and you live in us! Alleluia, God!
Amen!
GATHER WITH A CONGREGATION OF CHRISTIANS
TO CONTINUE THE WORSHIP OF GOD
ON THIS DAY OF JOYFUL RESURRECTION.
Copyright 2020. Robert D. Ingram, 32746 Jourden Rd., Albany, Ohio 45710 (dr.bobingram@gmail.com). Used by permission.
