April 2025
Toward A Hopeful and Joyful Easter Morning
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I Know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 23-26)
A few days ago, it was a bright and sunny day, and I set up my gardening table on the deck, feeling that spring was just around the corner. I sat in a chair, drinking a cup of coffee. It was still cold, I know, but I enjoyed the fresh air, looking forward to seeing spring flowers soon.
However, last Monday, we canceled the Harmony Choir practice due to a snowstorm. Can you believe it? Has spring not arrived yet? A snowstorm in March? Yes, this is life in Northwest Wisconsin. Do we still have hope for spring? Of course! Everyone knows that even here in northern Wisconsin, spring will come soon, even though we experience snowstorms in March and April.
Likewise, our lives are similar. When you face life’s storms, especially when one follows another, you may feel as if they will never end. However, just as we know spring must come after a long winter, the spring of your life will also come. In the same way, death is not the end for those who believe in Jesus Christ. I can almost hear the echo of Jesus’ voice to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
As we journey through the Lenten season and anticipate the joy of Easter morning, we find ourselves drawn to the faithful women who stood by Jesus in His darkest hours and were the first to witness the light of resurrection. These women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and others—teach us about devotion, courage, and the transformative power of hope.
In the final hours of Jesus’ earthly ministry, while many of His followers scattered in fear, the women remained. They watched from a distance as He bore the weight of the cross. They followed His body to the tomb, ensuring that even in death, He was honored. Their love for Jesus was steadfast, unshaken by despair. Their presence in these painful moments reminds us that true discipleship is not only about following in times of joy but also about enduring through sorrow.
Yet, the story does not end in sorrow. The women rose early on that first Easter morning, carrying spices to anoint Jesus’ body, only to be met with an empty tomb and an angelic proclamation: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). In their grief, they sought to serve, but instead, they became the first bearers of the Gospel. God entrusted the message of resurrection to those whose faithfulness had never wavered.
Their response was a mixture of fear and joy, disbelief and awe, but ultimately, they carried the news to the disciples. Their willingness to share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection calls us to do the same—to be messengers of hope in a world longing for life and renewal.
As we approach Easter morning, we, too, are invited to stand in their footsteps. We are called to witness the hope and vitality of resurrection, to trust that even in the bleakest of times, God is working to bring life from death, light from darkness. The women of Easter remind us that faithfulness is never in vain, and hope is always on the horizon. May we, like them, seek the risen Christ with expectant hearts and proclaim with joy: “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
Are you standing in the storm of life right now? Seek Jesus, who holds you. Remember God’s promise through the prophet Isaiah: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV)
Even when winter feels too long, spring must come soon. Do not fear—step out of the storm with courage, hope, and joyful expectation for the Easter morning of your life! Jesus is risen! Do you believe in Him?
Blessings!
Pastor Jenny