Devotion 

Easter Joy and Hope

Frances Taylor 

Alleluia! Happy Easter! I hope you are feeling the joy and hope that this day and season brings. It is a reminder that this is not all there is, that our life continues because of Christ. What does the joy and hope of Easter mean to you? Stop for a minute, take a deep breath and smile! Think about those things that bring you joy. Is it family? Friends? The birth of a child? And hope, what gives you hope? So often we are bombarded with media blasts that tell us how dismal the future looks and how "I" have the answer! Sometimes hope can be hard to come by! If there is one person who can make our future better, it's Jesus! Last Friday, we felt the pain and the hopelessness of the disciples. Today we celebrate the hope and the joy of the Resurrection. If we have walked with Jesus these past few weeks, truly looking at our lives, changing what needs to be changed, asking forgiveness for our sins, it's time to look to the future with confidence and hope. Easter is a day but also a season. Let us work at continuing the hope and joy we feel today each day during these next weeks. Let us look for those things, those moments, those people who bring us joy and celebrate them every day. Today the glass is overflowing with feelings of joy and hope, don't let the glass run dry.

Prayer 

Gracious and glorious God, thank you for sending your son to save us. Thank you for the love you have for us. May we always be grateful to you and never take your love for granted. Help us to be witnesses of your love to all we meet. Amen.