Mark Sorensen 
There’s an image that has gone viral over the past several days that has caught the attention of many in the world. Maybe you’ve seen it? It’s the image of the cross amidst the charred remains found inside the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Like many of you, I watched in disbelief as I saw this beautiful, historic cathedral (which, by the way, my wife just visited last week) burn as onlookers gathered and firefighters rushed to save this church and the precious heirlooms that were within her.
It’s always heartbreaking when something so precious, so beautiful, so treasured, is lost or taken away. Yet, the image of that cross taken from within the cathedral, I believe, is a pretty powerful statement regarding the Resurrection of Christ and what we’re all moving into as we approach Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
On Thursday, Christ gathered with His friends, spoke of His body broken, blood poured out, and a new covenant that was on the horizon. From there, Jesus moved to the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed to His Father. What would come next? An arrest, a trial, a beating, crucifixion and the last breath of Jesus. On that Friday, to His followers, it would have been anything but good. To us? We know that Sunday is coming.
Easter Sunday is a reminder to us all that, amidst the brokenness and charred remains of a broken world, Christ has died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again.
Truly, we’re moving into some of my favorite days.
I can’t wait to spend each of these with you.
Join us in the sanctuary tonight, April 18, at 7:30 for a Maundy Thursday service. Tomorrow evening, join us at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for a Good Friday service of Word and worship with Bob Goff speaking. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., service begins at 6:00 p.m. And then? Easter Sunday. Four services in Harvest: 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Deep breath, friends. This story of hope is ready to find us all.
