When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.   Mark 16 : 1 – 2

Readings this week :  Isaiah 25 : 6 - 9; Acts 10 : 34 – 43; Mark 16 : 1 – 8

Thought for this week

This is a day of broken things. The temple curtain already torn in two. Graves of believers opened. The seal of Jesus’ tomb torn apart, and the guards fled. The sanctity of Jesus’ tomb exposed and occupied by an angel.

This is the day when the old order of things has gone forever. Now there is forgiveness. Now there is New Life. The power of sin and the final grip of death are broken. Everything is made new.

The Bible begins with something being broken. The bond between our loving Lord and humanity broken through sin, disobedience, wilfulness, lack of self – control. All the things that we are subject to, and damage our lives so completely. That rupture began in a garden.

Easter Day marks the new beginning Jesus has won for us. Won for us through His unimaginable and unfathomable love for us. Now we can have New Life in Him. A new relationship with the Lord. We are made new in Him, when we believe and trust in Him.

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! “(2 Cor 5 : 17). Praise the Lord!

Rev Paul

Easter Day prayer, by Justin Smith

Dear Heavenly Father,

On the third Day of Easter Jesus Returned from death – A resplendence

Of Light and truth arose across the world, shining bright and clear as a

New beginning along with a new message from God that He died for forgiveness of all our sins.

A miracle that surpasses all miracles – Hellelujah! Christ has Risen!

On this wonderful day we pray deeply

From our hearts with the utmost gratitude For your gift of salvation – the greatest gift to humanity.

Let the gentle breeze of Jesus’ words and compassion flow through us and may our hearts be filled with the Light of the Lord, embracing us with comfort, love, hope and joy.

What comes what may, we trust in you Lord on your Resurrection day.

May we grow in your name in ways you have taught us that have led us here today.

Together with you Father, let us grow and bear fruits that prosper in your heavenly orchard,

Now and forever In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen