HE IS RISEN!
   Finally, we follow this Easter proclamation with our shouts of praise (using that “H” word that we have been so tight-lipped about over these past 40 days of Lent). The timing of this month’s Newsletter is slightly awkward, because on the day of its publication, we just barely began our Holy Week observances: of the betrayal on Maundy Thursday (7pm), and the unfathomable agony of Jesus’ cross to be contemplated at our Good Friday services (12 noon & 7pm).
   But that awkward tension is not all bad, as it reflects our present moment in history, as well. We are living out this historical tension by virtue of the dual realities of (1) already being redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One who historically rose from the dead 2000 yeas ago, on the one hand; and (2) awaiting the full redemption of our bodies at Christ’s glorious return at the end of history as we know it, on the other hand. Hands of suffering; hands of triumph: the “Already” and “Not Yet” paradox for us saints/sinners.
   During this pandemic, we have come to terms, perhaps, a little better with living in tension, wouldn’t you agree?  That’s one good thing we've learned: patience (the Christian virtue no Christian thinks to ask for more of for fear of what’s coming next). But our Heavenly Father knows best. Better still, He promises to work out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I hope you will find some good and some encouragement in this little monthly read we call our Words of Peace Newsletter. God bless your reading and your hearing of His comforting Good News in Christ Jesus...

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