This is a copy of my article for the MARCH 2013 edition of the Billericay ‘Around Town Magazine’

Those words will echo through the world-wide Christian Church on Easter Sunday (31st March) as we celebrate Jesus’ rising from the dead.  Many people look upon Jesus’ resurrection as a myth, yet there is a great deal of credible historical evidence (from secular historians) to support the fact that Jesus lived, was crucified and, more importantly, that his body was missing from the tomb when he said he would rise from the dead.

One of the more tangible evidences of Jesus’ resurrection is the fact that it has changed the lives of many of his followers down the centuries, and continues to touch the hearts and minds of many in our world today – 2000 years after that first Easter Sunday morning.

It is because of this that Holy Week is one of the most significant weeks in the Christian calendar as it tells one of the most compelling stories ever told: God’s story!   A story that reminds us how: “God loved the world so much He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life”  (John 3:16).

Sometimes, in the busyness of life, we often find ourselves unable to make time to remind ourselves about God’s story of love, mercy and grace.  Sometimes, we need to set time aside to slow down, to quiet our mind, to lay aside our own agenda, and to be available for new experiences. This can be prayer. It can be worship.  It can be meditation. It can be reading the Bible.  It can be attending church. It can be quiet reflection.

May I encourage you to ‘make time’ for God this Easter and journey through Holy Week, from the: Praise of Palm Sunday; Poignancy of Maundy Thursday; Sorrow of Good Friday and the Joy of Celebration on Easter Day.  May I extend an invitation to join us at Emmanuel or a church near you?

May God’s richest blessing be upon you during these final days of Lent as we prepare to celebrate all that Easter brings.