Word from Laura - “HALLELUJAH!”

“Hallelujah!” – literally, it means “Praise God!”

I’m sure if the ancient Hebrews had punctuation, they would never have written the word without an exclamation point.

“Hallelujah!” is the word for Easter, the day for those of us who know the resurrection story of Jesus to shout a heart-felt cheer. Not because we’ve seen evidence – there is no solid evidence. But because we’ve heard the news that Christ is alive and the death-dealing powers of this world are coming to an end.

God has promised that the violence we do and the heartbreak we cause will not have the last word. We know a power stronger, deeper, and truer than the soldier’s in the mosque, the opioids’ on the corner, the sway of the gun lobby, the lab results in the doctor’s file, the upticks and downturns of the stock market, or the combined resistance of industry and governments to care for creation.

It’s the best news I know, but without evidence, it can be hard to believe, much less live, a loud “Hallelujah!” It’s why we need each other, every Sunday but particularly Easter. Come add your Hallelujah this Sunday – in-person, if you’re able, on-line if you must.  You’re all invited to join the Hallelujah Chorus as our worship finale (accompanied by guest musician Catherine Pruett).

As an old-time preacher once said, “It may be Friday now, but Sunday’s coming.”  Hallelujah, and see you Sunday,

Laura