With Easter Sunday upon us, I have spent some time reflecting on what this season has meant to me throughout my life. As a child growing up in the Middle East, I remember Easter as a time of celebration with our family, friends, and community. The festivities lasted for weeks. We would dress in our Sunday best and gather with other churches from all denominations and varying traditions to march in the streets. We sang and celebrated the resurrection of Christ and shared the Gospel with our Muslim friends.

Easter feels different this year. With the social and economic impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have little choice as to how we celebrate. During these uncertain times, I am reminded of the prayer Jesus shares in John 17: 9-10: “I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.”

Here, Jesus reminds us that despite our current reality, our Joy will not be taken from us. Glory will come to the Lord through us; His Glory is the full measure of joy within us (John 17:13).

Let us remember this is the time to truly glorify God in our worship, being “true worshipers who will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Nothing can take that Joy away from us — not even COVID-19. 

Know that we are in this together and that I am praying for you. 

Standing in the Gap! 

John

P.S. Please pray that during this Easter time we will realize afresh the meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection! Pray with me, “Thank you, Lord, for your gift of forgiveness and the freedom to live fully with you as we journey towards eternity.”