Dear Church Family,

Churches all over the country are taking to youtube and meeting online. I hope you’ve been able to join with us for the Easter celebration last week. The Lord is risen, and what great news it is in this pandemic.

Joy is one of the characteristics of God’s people. Even in adverse circumstances. Because Christian joy doesn’t depend on the circumstances we’re in. It depends on what the Lord has done.

What He has done is enormous. Beyond our ability to comprehend: In the words of Philippians 2:6-11 He humbled himself and became a man; and ‘he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place … that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.’

Thomas, the sceptic, realised that Jesus is Lord when Jesus appeared to Him after the resurrection. He fell down at Jesus’ feet declaring Him ‘my Lord and my God.’

Thomas, and all who by God’s grace see that Jesus is ‘my Lord and my God’ have the joy of knowing that they have peace with God and life with Him forever. That is why we’re joyful!

May you know this joy and peace at this time despite all the anxieties that are swirling around us, looking beyond the fears to Him who loves us and has us in His hand now and evermore.

With love in the risen Lord,

Ian