Over 2000 years ago, the shock discovery of an empty tomb by Jesus’ close female companions caused pain and confusion. Instead of a sealed and guarded tomb containing his body, they found it open and empty, save the cloth used to wrap him in death. It was bad enough that Jesus, their teacher and Lord was dead. Now it seemed, someone had taken the body. Why that tomb was empty is of utmost importance. If it was empty because someone had indeed stolen Jesus’ body – if a criminal’s death and an ordinary burial was all that took place over those three days then hope died with him on the cross. Trust in all he had said was destroyed – His promises nothing more than a devasting and life-shattering let-down. Individuals and communities across the world will greet Easter day with shouts of ‘Alleluia! He is Risen!’. Many of us, Christian or not, will give Easter Eggs, the hollow egg is traditionally a symbol of that empty tomb. We shout ‘He is risen!’ because beyond all expectation, hope did not stay dead. The impossible happened on that first Easter day. It blows our rational minds to even think it – despite some very compelling (and rational) evidence that supports it! The first disciples took some convincing too - Jesus appeared to them several times, but had to let them touch him and eat with them to bring the divine reality home. He is alive! – His words were true! He was indeed part of God’s own self who came to us in love, to give us hope and reassurance for the future, for each day. And for that we celebrate! Do join us! Easter Blessings, Nikki Easter Day Family Services ~ 10am Dullingham Church with choir, bells and egg hunt!! ~ 10.30am Burrough Green Church with egg hunt!!
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Revd Nikki MannNikki is the Priest in Charge of the Raddesley Benefice (which consists of 6 churches) in Cambridgeshire Archives
April 2021
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