We wake this morning to the gift of joy and a rebirth of hope. Christ is risen!

Many people have tried to explain to us why we need to journey through darkness before we can experience the light. If you get it, bless you. I don’t. I can recite some of the theological language about why things work this way but in my heart of hearts I have to accept it as just the way it is. I grew up third generation in my family in a church named Immanuel Baptist. As early as I can remember, we were taught the meaning of Immanuel, God with us. The gift that is renewed for me on Easter is that God has been there all the way along the journey.  In the dark, God was there. Today when we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection we are filled with joy and hope is reborn in us. God with us. Always. All the time. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Foll’wing our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Out of the darkness, light. Out of despair, hope. Out of sadness, joy. Everlasting Alleluia!

Easter Blessings!

Dr. Susan E. Gillies
Interim General Secretary

Over the two months prior to Easter, reflections were shared from Regional Executives from American Baptist regions through the 2017 season of Lent. You are invited to view these reflections below:
Click here to view the reflection posted for Ash Wednesday.
Click here to view the reflection posted for the first Sunday of Lent.
Click here to view the reflection posted for the second Sunday of Lent.
Click here to view the reflection posted for the third Sunday of Lent.
Click here to view the reflection posted for the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Click here to view the reflection posted for the fifth Sunday of Lent.
Click here to view the reflection posted for the sixth week of Lent, a Maundy Thursday reflection.