Worship Reflects Jesus’ Life
Worship at Our Savior is a reflection of Jesus’ life. Holy Week is a time of remembering and returning to God's Word in order to think about the greatest mystery: the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord for the forgiveness of our sins. In the solemnity and somberness of the week, we gather on Palm Sunday to celebrate his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Palm Sunday worship service then moves us to the events of Jesus’ Passion, so that our worship begins with the festive flair of palm branches and ends with a somber mood. On Maundy Thursday we receive the meal according to our Lord's invitation and command. Even in the midst of Holy Week, the blessing of Christ’s victory prevails. As we receive the Lord's body and blood, the joyous good news of the resurrection is there. In the words of St. Paul, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26b). If Christ is returning, then certainly He has ascended, and if He has ascended, then certainly He is risen from the dead. The alleluias, hymn of praise, and other festive elements have been put away for a time–"buried" during the season of Lent. On Easter Sunday they are brought out. Easter worship begins with a joyous and responsive greeting as I am privileged to proclaim, “Alleluia. Christ is risen.” The worshippers respond, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.” Easter lilies adorning the chancel urge us to trumpet the Good News:
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7)
Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (I Corinthians 15:20-22)
It is clear, we will live eternally and death is defeated through our Lord, Jesus Christ. A new Easter season begins!
-- Pastor Rob