THE PASTOR’S CORNER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hallelujah! Winter is over and Spring has officially begun. Although when we look outside and see the green grass and budding trees we are reminded that Spring came early this year. Actually , Summer came early, too, at least for a few days. Records that had been in place at least 90 years were broken by our extended 80 degrees weather in March. Des Moines’ high temperature reached into the 80s for five consecutive days, and the National Weather Service said it’s the first time that has ever happened in March – in fact, it had never happened for four days in a row before this year.

And while it is true there have been a time or two in the past when the snow has reappeared in April, even if that happens, it usually does not stay around too long. Spring is definitely here! We can look forward to all that Spring brings.

In fact, as Christians, all of us can look forward to what is to come this month, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter is on April 8. Like our unexpected spring/summer like weather in winter, Jesus’ resurrection was unexpected. Even though Jesus told his disciples he would rise again, they did not understand. They were lost and devastated at the time of Jesus’ death. They thought Jesus’ death was the end, the end of Jesus and the end of their hope in a Savior who would save the world. But they were wrong. In fact, the best was yet to come! Jesus triumphed over death and today we worship a Risen Savior! Thanks be to God!

Yes, we can all look forward to what is to come! The seasons change, but the promises of God do not. We have the promise of Jesus’ daily presence to comfort and to guide and the promise of eternal life. 1 Peter 1: 3-5 tells us, “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven.” The Good News is:

“We serve a Risen Savior, and He is in the world today!”

Have a Blessed Easter!

Pastor Karen