Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Resurrection: Celebrating New Life in Christ
Luke 24:1-12
They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body(V.2)
We are ready to celebrate the feast of Easter. Easter is the greatest feast in the Christian calendar. On this Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. According to Apostle Paul, who even says that if Jesus Christ not been resurrected then the Christian faith is worthless and futile.
Through his death, Christ saved human kind from bondage of sin and he destroyed the forces of death for ever. But it is his resurrection that gives us the promise of new life, both in this world and the next. Before Jesus' resurrection, his disciples were petty, fearful, contentious men. After their experience with him on the Road to Emmaus , by the Sea of Galilee, and in the Upper Room, they were men who were undaunted in their devotion to him in spite of beatings, imprisonment and even martyrdom .The Gospel is good news, it is a celebration of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. .
 Easter gives all who have suffered pain a sense that we are not on our own and, despite our emotions and feelings, God does understand. The Easter story gives us a glimpse of God’s broken heart, the physical suffering of Jesus demonstrating that he understands what it is to feel physical and emotional pain. The resurrection is a promise of presence of God that we are not alone, but God is with us.
 It is a celebration of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. It is not solemn, but sensational. It is not a burden but a bonanza. New life can be yours, and it can be mine. That is the Gospel. The Christian faith was never intended to bring sorrow but celebration.  It is joy and hope and acceptance and love. Consider for a moment the nature of the new life in Christ and see if you do not see cause for celebration
The Easter is also the culmination of God’s restoration of humans to the possibility and potential of friendship with God. It can be argued that God’s redemptive plan is all about the restoration of friendship and relationship. Easter is an invitation to turn from death to life, from darkness to life. It confronts us with this question, “why do you for the living among dead” and comforts us with the unfailing faithfulness of God.
Prayer: Lord Jesus you suffered the ignominy of the cross gracefully as it was for our redemption. Help us to experience the power and joy of your resurrection.... Amen
Thought for the day:  “Jesus is our resurrection and life.”
                                                      

                                Rev. M. E. Shaji,  St.Thomas MTC,  Delvare Valley.

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