Beyond Normal: The Easter Edition
“He
is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord
lay.”- St. Matthew 28:6
Easter Sunday gives us hope. If ever there was a time when the world was in need of hope it is now. Many of us are having a difficult time coping during this pandemic. We are living in times which can be viewed as not normal. It is abnormal to see churches closed; especially in Jamaica which prides herself as a God-faring nation. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after his crucifixion and burial. Churches are usually standing room only as Christians and non-Christians alike congregate to worship and reflect on the true meaning of Easter. #Easter marks the end of Holy Week and the culmination of the Lenten Season. Jesus’ resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil; sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. Since Easter represents the fulfillment of God's promises to mankind, it is the most important religious holiday on the Christian calendar. Sadly, on this Resurrection Sunday in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic the pews will be empty. Governments all across the world have instituted social and physical distancing in an attempt to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus which has upended the lives of millions. As a results church services worldwide will be live streamed across the internet and those who are fortunate enough to have internet access will be able to watch. However, we need not be dismayed since the word of God says in St. Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. The Resurrection of Christ is the corner-stone upon which faith is built. Our faith has been tested this Easter, however, we can rest assured that God will never leave nor forsake his children. Easter is not cancelled. Easter is on! Easter reminds us that there is light, an eternal light at the end of this journey. The church needs membership. Jesus requires relationships. Although you might be confined to home this Easter do not allow your spiritual relationship to be crucified. Easter 2020 has been rebranded and we are here to bear witness. The world needs that spirit of Easter to order to navigate us through these troubling times; times of self-isolation and quarantine. The international news is depressing surrounding COVID19. Easter brings us hope and that opportunity to get closer to God. We need to be reminded of the great sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf so that we can inherit everlasting life. Easter is a time of celebration. Our local churches have been creative. Currently, some churches are having up to five services on a Sunday. In order to adhere to government guidelines in which no more than ten persons should gather in public, the church have had to adjust to cater to the needs of their memberships as well as to give unto Ceasar what is required. Regardless of your current situation remember Jesus is no longer in the grave. Jesus’ resurrection propels us to live resurrected and triumphant lives. David, the Psalmist in chapter 24: 1 reminds us that, the Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein. These are extremely powerful words. We therefore need not cower in this time of pandemic. On this Easter Sunday we acknowledge the risen Lord. Yes, He is risen! Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Easter has always been special; this year is no different. We should not allow this pandemic to steal our joy. Let us immerse ourselves in acknowledging that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
In the words of Charles Wesley, “Christ the Lord is risen today, Hallelujah! Sons of men and angels say, Hallelujah! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Hallelujah! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Hallelujah! Lives again our glorious King, Hallelujah! Where, Oh death, is now thy sting? Hallelujah! Dying once, our souls to save, Hallelujah! Where they victory, O grave? Hallelujah! Happy Easter!
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as
they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
©
#EasterSunday #ResurrectionSunday #Lent #Christian #Jamaica #pandemic #society #HolyWeek
Easter Sunday gives us hope. If ever there was a time when the world was in need of hope it is now. Many of us are having a difficult time coping during this pandemic. We are living in times which can be viewed as not normal. It is abnormal to see churches closed; especially in Jamaica which prides herself as a God-faring nation. On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after his crucifixion and burial. Churches are usually standing room only as Christians and non-Christians alike congregate to worship and reflect on the true meaning of Easter. #Easter marks the end of Holy Week and the culmination of the Lenten Season. Jesus’ resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil; sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. Since Easter represents the fulfillment of God's promises to mankind, it is the most important religious holiday on the Christian calendar. Sadly, on this Resurrection Sunday in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic the pews will be empty. Governments all across the world have instituted social and physical distancing in an attempt to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus which has upended the lives of millions. As a results church services worldwide will be live streamed across the internet and those who are fortunate enough to have internet access will be able to watch. However, we need not be dismayed since the word of God says in St. Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. The Resurrection of Christ is the corner-stone upon which faith is built. Our faith has been tested this Easter, however, we can rest assured that God will never leave nor forsake his children. Easter is not cancelled. Easter is on! Easter reminds us that there is light, an eternal light at the end of this journey. The church needs membership. Jesus requires relationships. Although you might be confined to home this Easter do not allow your spiritual relationship to be crucified. Easter 2020 has been rebranded and we are here to bear witness. The world needs that spirit of Easter to order to navigate us through these troubling times; times of self-isolation and quarantine. The international news is depressing surrounding COVID19. Easter brings us hope and that opportunity to get closer to God. We need to be reminded of the great sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf so that we can inherit everlasting life. Easter is a time of celebration. Our local churches have been creative. Currently, some churches are having up to five services on a Sunday. In order to adhere to government guidelines in which no more than ten persons should gather in public, the church have had to adjust to cater to the needs of their memberships as well as to give unto Ceasar what is required. Regardless of your current situation remember Jesus is no longer in the grave. Jesus’ resurrection propels us to live resurrected and triumphant lives. David, the Psalmist in chapter 24: 1 reminds us that, the Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein. These are extremely powerful words. We therefore need not cower in this time of pandemic. On this Easter Sunday we acknowledge the risen Lord. Yes, He is risen! Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Celebrate Jesus Celebrate. Easter has always been special; this year is no different. We should not allow this pandemic to steal our joy. Let us immerse ourselves in acknowledging that the joy of the Lord is our strength.
In the words of Charles Wesley, “Christ the Lord is risen today, Hallelujah! Sons of men and angels say, Hallelujah! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Hallelujah! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Hallelujah! Lives again our glorious King, Hallelujah! Where, Oh death, is now thy sting? Hallelujah! Dying once, our souls to save, Hallelujah! Where they victory, O grave? Hallelujah! Happy Easter!
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as
they affect culture and or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
©
#EasterSunday #ResurrectionSunday #Lent #Christian #Jamaica #pandemic #society #HolyWeek
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