Throughout April, the Sunday services focus on the presence of the risen Christ in the world and on how His light can be carried forward and shared.
These are the final words of the dying Jesus: “It is finished,” as recorded in the gospel of John. This cry makes it clear that what is happening here is not merely the end of a series of tragic coincidences, but the fulfilment of a divine plan.
For Jesus’ death on the cross is not a defeat, but a victory. Here lies the source of salvation and redemption for humankind—both living and dead—as Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead shows. The Good Friday service on 3 April will explore what this sacrifice means for this world and the world beyond.
How the resurrection changed everything
The first words that bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection are: “I have seen the Lord.” With these words, Mary Magdalene brings the news to the disciples. It is not only the empty tomb that testifies to the fact that Jesus’ path extends beyond death. The Risen One encounters people personally, calls them by name, and eats with them.
This helped the disciples move from grief and despair to joy and security. And they went out to spread the sensational news. Believers today can experience a very similar situation. Why and how exactly? Why and how exactly? This is the focus of the Easter Sunday service on 5 April.
How Jesus’ cause continues
The disciples had shut themselves away in a room for fear of those who had killed Jesus. Not even Mary’s good news could lighten their mood.
Then Christ stepped into their midst with the words, “Peace be with you.” It really was Jesus, the Risen One. They recognised Him by His wounds. In an instant their mood changed: they felt liberated, relieved, and confident.
The joy of being reunited with Him was one thing, its significance for the future another. The disciples received a commission and the means to carry it out—and it is effective to this day. The divine service on 12 April will explain how the cause of Christ continued.
How the light of Christ comes into the world
The light of the world, Jesus Christ, did not fade away in death but shone all the more brightly. The Risen One called upon the disciples to be a light to the world themselves.
Jesus invites all believers to allow this light to shine in their surroundings: through our simple, comforting presence; through kindness, honesty, patience, and reliability; through words that build up rather than tear down; and through decisions that demonstrate trust in God.
Where this leads is the focus of the divine service on 19 April.
Where the strength to do good comes from
A living faith is more than just an inner conviction. It seeks expression, shapes our lives, and becomes visible to those around us through our kindness and good deeds.
This holds true in all circumstances of life—even the difficult ones. And what’s more, all believers are called upon to overcome evil with good.
The strength to do so is found in worship: in prayer, the sermon, the forgiveness of sins, Holy Communion, and fellowship with the congregation. This is the focus of the divine service on 26 April, the final Sunday of the month.
Photo: Nongluk – stock.adobe.com