Easter and April Fools Day

What do they have in common, you might ask? Here is my reply. The biggest joke ever played was the one God played against the devil/satan by raising Christ from the dead. From that moment on, we humans had a Saviour previously unknown to us.

That Saviour, the Christ, died for our sins and was raised from the dead on the third day and that is what we are commemorating today in our church services. “Happy Easter.” we proclaim to one and all.

None of us go around all gloomy and upset because it is Easter or for that matter because it is April fool’s day. These are days of rejoicing and happiness. We have outright joy in the face of everlasting life and freedom from sin.

“Rejoice.” I say. “Rejoice!”  

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, NIV)

What does it say about our dour sadness when the King James Bible offers up 45 places where the scripture says Rejoice in the Lord, The NIV gives 38 and the MSG none at all? It means nothing except that the wording has changed. Here is the MSG version of Philippians 4:4

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Whatever the wording, our hearts know what to do. Rejoice I say. Rejoice.

Prayer-Thank you God, and again we say thank you for the sacrifice that Jesus, the son of God made on our behalf. We rejoice in it. We rejoice! Amen.

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