Beloved children of God for whom the Lord Jesus Christ willingly endured the pains of the cross, it is our joy to gather together over these next three days – Maundy Thursday through Easter – to consider and meditate on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and love for us poor sinners. Let us not rush to the empty tomb without first standing at the foot of the cross. Easter is only a cause of joy because the Jesus who rose from the dead first died under God’s wrath against our sin. I strongly encourage all of you to attend as many of the services as possible these next few days to help you slow down and receive the blessing of these days. Clear as much of your calendar as possible. Fast from the normal activities to sit with Mary at Jesus feet receiving the one needful thing. Let us give bold and faithful witness to world that there is nothing more important than the death and resurrection of Jesus for our salvation. Everything else can wait.
We will gather this evening at 7 to celebrate the night in which our Lord instituted and gave the Holy Supper of His Body and Blood. Tomorrow, Good Friday, we will pray Matins at 9:30, gather for the Chief Service with Holy Communion at 2, and gather again to pray Tenebrae Vespers at 7. On Holy Saturday, we will pray Matins again at 9:30 and then at 7:30 we will gather with the saints at Faith in Plano to begin our Easter celebrations with the Great Vigil of Easter. On Easter Sunday, after breakfast at 8, we will continue our celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection with the Divine Service at 9:30. May our gracious Lord grant that we in love and faith cherish and take advantage of these many opportunities to gather as His holy family and receive together the life and salvation which He has accomplished by His cross and resurrection. The peace of Christ be with you all.
Pastor Ulmer