Below is a lovely poem written by Madeleine L’Engle that I often share and reflect on as part of the preparations for Christmas. It is a beautiful reminder about how the Christ child came not to a world that was ready or prepared or deserving of such a gift. The gift came because we were in need of such a treasure.
This is also equally true of Easter and the good news of the resurrection. Many who heard and saw Jesus knew that he was sent from God. They could open their hearts, minds and lives to receive the message of God’s love that he brought. But there were many who could not. They were threatened by the promise Christ’s birth fulfilled and the unconditional love of God that he embodied. Their hearts and minds were closed to this beautiful message of hope.
Our journey through Lent and Holy Week is a difficult one, a time of reflection and introspection. It is not easy to admit to our failings, the things we do to harm ourselves or the people that we love; to admit to the ways we fall short of who God is calling us to be and the life God is calling us to live in this broken world. But as the poem reminds us, this is exactly why Jesus came. To a people in need of a Saviour. To a world in need of hope. To a people who needed to be reminded exactly how much God loved them. The joy of Easter is an incredible gift, given not because we have earned or deserved it, but because of the great love that God has for us.
First Coming
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.
He did not wait till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Madeleine L’Engle,
From “A Cry Like a Bell”
Each of our Thorold churches is preparing for Holy Week and Easter with their own unique set of services. (Please see their websites or call the church for more information).
One of the meaningful ways we journey together as a Christian community is by gathering on Good Friday. We meet at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church (21 Queen Street South) at 10 a.m. and then walk through town, from church to church, offering prayer, reflections and songs. We arrive about 11 a.m. at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church (12 Carleton Street South) and worship together. There will be a program for the children during the service, and hot cross buns to share in the hall after the service. Please feel free to join us for the walk, or the service, or both.
Blessings on your journey through Holy Week to the gift of Easter.
