Dear John,

What is the message of Easter? Among many glorious truths, it is this:

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, we have been born again to a living hope (1 Peter 1:3). That means:

LIVING HOPE for the weary who feel they can’t keep going.
LIVING HOPE for the grieving who fear that death is the end.
LIVING HOPE for the sinner who longs for peace.
LIVING HOPE, in short, for all who call upon the name of the Lord.

I’ll keep this message short, praying that this Easter finds you surrounded by those you love and strengthened by the truth of the resurrection.

My prayer for you, for myself, and for all Christians: deeper joy in Christ, fuller life in His church, and unshakable confidence that the tomb is empty—that our Lord Jesus is alive at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Romans 8:34). I'll close with the words of one of the most beloved Easter hymns, that many of us will be singing loudly, joyfully--even tunefully!--this Sunday:

Christ the Lord is ris’n today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say: Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth reply: Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Blessings from our family to yours as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ!