Comment by Harborough churches: How are you feeling about slowly coming out of lockdown?

Viewpoint by the Rev Phil Walter, Pastor of Harborough Community Church

How are you feeling about slowly coming out of lockdown? From last Monday we have been able meet with another household or up to six people outside. With Easter nearly upon us it feels like an Easter gift has arrived! I am personally excited that there seems some light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel. For children Easter egg hunts will certainly be different although I am guessing the amount of chocolate consumed by young and old will not diminish.

For the Christian faith, Easter is a very special time as we remember on Good Friday the death of Jesus the Son of God on the cross and on Easter Sunday, the resurrection confirmed by over 500 people three days later. The term ‘Good Friday’ does not actually mean that the Friday in question was good, positive or nice. Used in this context, the word ‘Good’ carries the same meaning as the original Old English word, and means holy.

The journey in and out of Covid-19 this past year has been full of mainly negative news concerning it’s spread around the world. Many people have died prematurely as this unseen virus has affected us. For some post-Covid has meant their lives are far from normal with all kinds of ailments affecting them. The best news has been the vaccination roll-out which seems to be having a good effect on the number of new cases. In the midst of uncertainty Easter arrives, to remind us of the certainty of the love of God revealed to us in Jesus. That’s why Easter is so full of good news.

If a business claims to care for your needs in a particular way, the only way that can be tested is through using them. You may speak to someone who has, look at reviews on-line or in some way get validation, but it is only when they show they care for you in what they do that they prove it.

God says he loves us and cares but how does he show it and can it be trusted?

There is a Bible verse that says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”. Not only do we see God saying it but it is seen in the Easter narrative as Jesus died and rose from the dead. That’s the good news that Christians celebrate at Easter.

On behalf of all the churches in Harborough I can validate and give a 5-star rating for God’s love in Jesus, not only through hearsay but a real relationship with God our heavenly Father. We wish you a really blessed Easter, which may be enhanced for you by visiting an on-line or in-building service. Either way, may our journey for us all include a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ this Easter.

By Rev Phil Walter is Pastor of Harborough Community Church