Easter weekend services mark the center of our faith as Christians. The mood starts out very somber and sad on Friday, as we contemplate the fact that our sins nailed Jesus to the cross. We witness the cross; see the light dim; hear the sound of the tomb being sealed...all for us, and for our salvation.

The mood on Saturday evening at sunset begins to change. We start the service with a first, flickering light of Easter. We enter the darkened church and listen to the great events of God's salvation throughout biblical history. We glory in the water that washed us thoroughly in our baptism. We eat and drink the body and blood of the crucified and risen Jesus in, with, and under the bread and wine. And we leave the church basking in the glow of the resurrection.

Sunday morning the mood is all joy as we hear the announcement of the angel that "Christ is Risen!" The sound of the brass is "music to our ears" as our hearts and souls rejoice that because He is risen, so shall we! The choirs sing and the saints join in. The procession of God's people reminds us that we are but pilgrims here on earth.

Pray that every member of our church would come to celebrate the joy of Easter this year! Bring others to celebrate with us! Tell others about the Him who IS the Resurrection and the Life!