Easter Joy!

Easter is a beautiful time in the church.  The church is decorated with beautiful flowers, there is a new paschal candle, and the white paraments adorn the altar and lectern.  People begin wearing spring colors that bring a new hope for the upcoming warmer weather.  Outside we watch the trees begin to bud and bloom.  The tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils are showing their glorious colors; things are changing. 

The church changes from the heaviness of the season Lent to a lighter and brighter Easter season. At churches around the world people proclaimed, “Alleluia! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.  Alleluia!” It is a joy to hear the shouts of Alleluias after several weeks without them.  On Easter we remember the empty tomb was discovered by Mary Magdalene and the other Mary.  These women did not keep it to themselves they went and told the disciples.  In the gospel of Matthew, we hear that the women with fear and great joy, ran to tell his disciples.  Despite their fear they were filled with great joy for Jesus had risen. 

What has brought you joy this Easter season?  Did time spent with family and friends on Easter Sunday bring you joy?  Is it the changing season and the promise of warmer weather?  There are so many things that bring us joy in the spring.  I encourage you to look for signs of joy that are around you.  It may feel hard to find at times, but if we look with intent you will see bits of joy. 

This past week I have found joy in the flowers that are blooming in my yard. I found joy in worship on Easter Sunday, and in the conversations with the children after worship.  I found joy watching the families take pictures in the sanctuary after Easter Sunday worship.  I even got in on a few photos. I have found joy as I walked through the church this week and see the Alleluia butterflies in places throughout the building.

Dear siblings in Christ, I pray that you find the joy that is all around you.  May the joy of Easter fill your heart with what you need and may you feel the deep love of Christ every day.   

Yours in Christ, 

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber