Easter is upon us! For many people, our celebration of Jesus鈥� resurrection is spent with families, friends, and church communities. It鈥檚 usually a time to have a nice meal, play games, and visit with others.
This year our celebration is different. Because of our new reality of physical distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are spending Easter at home, away from the people we usually gather with. Some, like me, are spending it alone.
What does Jesus鈥� resurrection 鈥� his triumph over death and those forces trying to oppress us 鈥� mean for us in this time of distancing, anxiety, and loneliness? The resurrection means we are not alone. John 1:5 tells us, 鈥淭he light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.鈥�
Through Jesus the light of God pushes back the darkness in our world to reveal that we鈥檙e not alone. The resurrection tells us that God is with us. We鈥檙e also learning that our neighbours are still with us.
Every day, I hear stories of people reaching out to their friends and families more often than usually. Personally, I鈥檝e never received so many Facebook friend requests in my life! Volunteers with organizations, like the Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels, continue to help those in need. Christ鈥檚 resurrection continues to empower many people to confront our changing world and find new ways to serve God鈥檚 people.
This year鈥檚 Easter celebration may be different, but there is still much to celebrate and thank God for.
