Celebrating Passover, Easter

“As the first full moon after the vernal equinox silvers the night sky, Jews, seated at Seder tables all over the world, will again recount the wonderful story of our people's deliverance from slavery so many centuries ago.

“Once again, drawing strength and joy in the renewal of family ties, we celebrate freedom and the rebirth of spring.
May the sweetness of Passover that we wish to all of our fellow Jews be shared by our friends and neighbors who celebrate Easter, Norouz, Holi, Theravada, and all the other spring festivals. Peace to all of our houses!”

“Jesus Christ expects us to identify with His death. How have we been crucified with Christ? Legally, God looks at us as if we had died with Christ. Because our sins died with Him, we are no longer condemned. Jesus Christ expects us to live for Him. The focus of Christianity is not dying, but living. Because we have been crucified with Christ, we have also been raised with Him. Legally we have been reconciled with Him. Jesus Christ expects us to adopt a servant’s attitude.

“Jesus Christ was humble, willing to give up His rights in order to obey God and serve people. If we say follow Christ, we must also say we want to live as He lived. We should develop His attitude of humility as we serve, even when we are not likely to get recognition for our efforts. Are you selfishly clinging to your rights, or are you willing to serve?

“Hope grows as we remember the promise of the Resurrection. Because Jesus Christ came back to life, so will all believers. All Christians, including those living when Christ returns, will live with Christ forever. We need not despair when things go wrong or world events take a tragic turn. God will turn our tragedies to triumphs; our poverty to riches; our pain to glory; and our defeat to victory. All believers throughout history will stand reunited in God’s very presence, safe and secure. As we celebrate Easter we should comfort and reassure one another with great hope. God Bless you.”

Rev. Donald A. Davis
House of Christ Ministries, Inc. in Elmont

“As the world remembers this week as "holy week" going from Palm Sunday through Good Friday ending on Easter Sunday, I encourage you that the celebration of life, hope, and victory need not end on Easter Sunday with a trip to church and a great family feast. We remember the birth of Jesus at Christmas, and His death and resurrection at Easter. 

"I testify to you that God is available for you every day of your life, not just a couple of dates on the calendar. When those around seem to disappear when we need them most. When those we thought could help, just can't because they need help themselves. I suggest a new person to friend, Jesus! He is willing and able to be your friend, healer, provider, counselor, Savior. May I suggest to you His love is generous and His grace is abundant. So generous and gracious that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him would not die, but have eternal life. He gives new life! Experience it every moment of your life."

Cecil Mathew
First Church of God in Elmont