The Belt and Beyond I April 6th, 2017

April 6, 2017
11
The Triumph of Easter
By Kathleen McFall
Every spring, the anticipation
of Easter is exciting - decorating
Easter eggs, images of cute little
bunnies, and colorful Easter baskets
filled with little surprises.
Regardless of the fun and
delight during this time of year, for
hundreds of millions of believers
around the world, Easter has been
and still is, regarded as the most
significant religious holiday in the
Christian church.
It commemorates the greatest event
in the life of Jesus Christ, His resurrection and triumph over death, more
than two thousand years ago.
Many churches offer outdoor Easter sunrise services and programs that
illustrate the importance of Easter. Often called Resurrection Sunday, it is
a time of great rejoicing - a hope for eternal life.
Yet, what if Easter were celebrated every day? Resurrection is about
newness. In the Bible, Revelations 21:5 tells us, “I make all things new.”
What if we apply this to our lives in a real and personal manner.
As adults, we understand that, ironically, death is a part of life. Therefore,
isn’t it important to examine what we are doing with our lives and our
talents?
Are we enriching the lives of those we meet? Do we find ways to help
and contribute to those less fortunate than us? Are we challenged to
make a difference? As ordinary people, can we try to be an extraordinary
example?
When Christ defeated death, He unleashed a new power - the power of
God’s love. Christians believe God is faithful to His promise and trust in
His goodness and mercy.
He gives new hope for deep discouragement. He offers peace to
replace fear and faith to settle doubt. He can provide a powerful
restoration and a new sense of purpose.
Through our Faith in Christ’s resurrection, the miracle of Easter, we can
restore our brokenness, knowing that He wants to touch the needs in our
lives. He wants to help us conquer our struggles and encourage us when
we are overwhelmed. He did it when He left the grave and He is still doing
it today.
Easter is the symbol of rebirth. It represents the deepest truth of life. It
is where hope begins.
May you enjoy all the blessings of Easter today and every day.
Easter Land at Community Church
Saturday, April 15th and Sunday, April 16th; Community Church will hold
Easter Land. Easter Land is a FREE one – weekend theme park event, there
will be a 40,000 piece candy shop, 15,000-egg Easter Egg Hunt and thrilling
carnival rides plus much more. This event will be held at both locations (Mt.
Pocono and The Burgs) so hop on over to www.mycommunity.church
to register and for additional information.
NCC to Stage The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
Northampton Community College (NCC) will stage the play The Last Days
of Judas Iscariot by Stephan Adly Guirgis from Wednesday, April 19, through
Saturday, April 22, in the Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, Bethlehem Campus.
Set in a time-bending world between heaven and hell, the play reexamines the
plight and fate of the New Testament's most infamous and unexplained betrayer.
Admission is free with a donation of non-perishable food items or a
contribution to the Norman R. Roberts Scholarship Fund. Reservations suggested.
Email NCC_theatre_tickets@northampton.edu or call 610-861-5524.