Dear Christ Lutheran Church Family,

 

The highlight of April, and perhaps the highlight of our year as the people of God, is Holy Week.  It begins April 17 with the euphoria of Palm Sunday, continues through the somberness of Maundy Thursday, the darkness of Good Friday, and finally the joyousness of Easter Sunday on April 24.

 

“Holy” means “set apart for God”.  Of course, all of our time, and everything else, should be set apart for God.  But when Holy Week comes around, we have a reminder to give “holiness” a special emphasis.

 

First, we must realize that there is no holiness apart from God.  We are sinners, and it is only through God’s Grace and forgiveness that we can begin to be holy.  There is nothing we can “do” apart from God’s Grace to attain holiness; we can only do our best to glorify God in response.

 

How can we do that?  Here’s a Scripture reading that gives us step-by-step instructions:

 

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:12-14

 

We can strive for the virtues Paul lists in this passage.  We can start with compassion and kindness – putting the needs and feelings of others before our own.  Humility is both a recognition of what God has done for us and an example to others that being a Christian does not mean being “holier than thou.”

 

Gentleness and patience are not always attributes that are valued in our “I want my way right now” society.  This week, we can be counter-cultural and do our best to achieve these qualities.  We can give forgiveness a special emphasis this week as we put aside grudges, remembering Christ’s words on the cross: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

 

Finally, Paul says that LOVE is to be placed over all of these virtues.  Holy Week is ultimately about love – God loves each of us so much that He gave His son to die for each one of us.   We can “put the ‘holy’ in Holy Week” by sharing that love in His name.

 

Join us as we worship God and encourage each other toward holy living during the special worship services of Holy Week.  Worship will be at the regular times on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.  Maundy Thursday worship and the Good Friday Tenebrae service will both be at 7pm.  I hope to see you there!

 

 

Christ's peace,

Pastor Dave

 

 

Here are our Worship Themes for April. 

 

 

“Jesus said to her, “I AM the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  - John 11:25-26