Welcome to April.

Welcome to April. It’s Resurrection Season! Were you in church on Easter Sunday? If you were in Holland Bible Church, the Spirit was among us! When Pastor Geoff greeted us with “He is Risen!” the response was resounding: “He Is Risen indeed!” With an enthusiasm and sound volume unsurpassed if winning the Super Bowl.
It’s interesting just how folks observe this sacred time of the Christian year. Recalling that first Holy Week, we remember that at the time all of these momentous days transpired, the loud enthusiasm was reserved for the first day of the week with the exciting entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. People believed that their King had arrived and would rescue them from the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. How soon their dream was squashedl Each day rapidly deteriorated unto the horrifying events of Good Friday – anything but “Good” to those who were living through them. Dark, depressing, frightening days. Then, slowly, a rumor started spreading about a highly unlikely sighting: One who had been seen hanging limply and bloodied on a Roman cross had been seen greeting followers by that same -- but living -- Person just days later. What we call Easter was quietly breathed among folks who dared not believe, even when they dared to hope.
Many years have passed since that first emotional roller coaster week. As we reflect on the manner of observing those days compared to our own, we realize that Palm Sunday is not, as it was that first time, a day of loud acclaim – we know what followed. By the same token, Good Friday is scarcely noticed by many nowadays. Indeed, how many even understand the deep meaning of the events of that special Friday? Easter Sunday, on the other hand, is a day of celebration. Alas, not necessarily a day of “Alleluia, He is risen!” celebration; but a day that, too often, just increases the coffers of the commercial interests of our society, A day that brings to mind, for many, just rabbits and decorated eggs. Indeed, we’re not too sure how many who celebrate, even to the point of going to church, understand what Easter is all about, or how it affects their lives and futures, individually.
But now, once again, we find ourselves in the Resurrection Season. We’ve just come through the holiest time of the year for Christians. We hope it has been a time when our faith has been made stronger, so strong that we proudly, and courageously call ourselves Believers. Believers, in a world peopled by many who scorn believing in anything unseen or who would acknowledge a wisdom greater than their own.
We’re not sure if this could be a time of persecution, at least, not in our nation. But we know that we must cherish the faith that causes us, like Thomas, to hold on to the sure truth that Jesus is “My Lord and my God!” Virginia

“... his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:26-28