Christ is Risen!

There is so much hope in the Resurrection. This year, I was most moved not on Friday, when we remember Jesus being crucified, but Holy Saturday: Jesus had been crucified, laid in his tomb, people mourned. Then they went to bed. The next day they woke up to the horrible realization that no, it wasn't a nightmare, it was true. The Messiah had been killed. The Lord of Lords, Almighty God, Prince of Peace...dead. And with him, all their joy, dreams, and hope for the future. Saturday was when they had to relive the horrible events of the day before, remembering how their loved one had been taken from them. Life continued as usual, but not for Jesus followers. There was so much grief, so much pain.

Yet, God was at work. However it happened, Jesus secured everyone eternal life and the promise that no matter what, death does not have the last say. Restoration. A guarantee that joy will come in the morning.

Al-Masih Qam!

Hakkan Qam!

Christ is Risen!

Christ is Risen indeed!

Alleluia!

I've been celebrating Holy Week in Jerusalem, which has been an amazing experience. I played in an ensemble for services on Maundy Thursday and this morning's sunrise service. I also walked the Via Dolorosa with the Lutheran and Anglican congregations. Enjoy these pictures- I think they do a better job at showing you what this week was like for me than I could in words.

May your Easter be full of blessings and joy in unexpected places, and fill you with the hope we have from the Resurrection and the promise of Restoration for the whole year through.

It was an early morning (we had to be at the First Station of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa) by 6:30, but it was beautiful to walk through the Old City streets when barely anyone was around. Through this particular arched street you can see the golden top to the Dome of the Rock, which lies inside the walls of the Old City.

Bishop Younan (center) of the ELCJHL with the Pastor of St. George's Cathedral (left) and the Anglican Bishop (right). at the eighth (or so) station.

One of the last stations we did (we didn't follow them exactly because we wanted to end at Redeemer Lutheran church). It was so touching to be part of such a large group of witnesses, walking through the streets of Jerusalem, singing hymns, and remembering the Messiah's last days.

The Good Friday walk ended at Redeemer Lutheran church with a service in Arabic and English. The inside of the sanctuary is very simple but absolutely beautiful.

We started off in the dark and the sun rose during Communion.

The sun finally peeks out over the horizon spilling light into the West Bank. (The Son has Risen!)

Ok, so I may have changed the settings on my camera for this one, but I think it adequately illustrates the joy of the Resurrection.

The Easter card I made for the school that gets sent out to all the educators, partners, and sponsors.

Finally, a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that I've always really enjoyed because of the image of hope rising up in the midst of (and despite) pain.