HE IS RISEN !

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

Arabic: Al Maseeh Qam!

Chinese: Helisituosi fuhuole! !

Czech: Kristus vstal zmrtvy'ch!

Dutch: Christus is opgestaan!

Gaelic: Erid Krist!

Irish Gaelic: Tá Críosd ar éirigh!

Scots' Gaelic: Tha Crěosd air čiridh!

Georgian: Kriste aghsdga!

Greek: Christos Anesti!

Hebrew: Ha Mashiyach qam!

Italian: Cristo č risorto!

Latin: Christus resurrexit!

Polish: Khristus Zmartvikstau!

Russian: Khristos voskres!

Serbian: Hristos Vaskrese!

Slavonic: Christos Voskrese!

Slovak: Kristus vstal zmr'tvych!

Spanish: Cristo ha resucitado!

Swedish: Kristus är upstånden!

Ukranian: Kristos Voskres!

Welsh: Atgyfododd Crist!

PLEASE SHARE YOUR RESPONSE IN THE COMMENT SECTION IN A LANGUAGE OF YOUR CHOICE. If your response is in a language other than English, kindly share with us what language you are using.

HE IS RISEN !

Sven Ljungholm
Exeter, UK

When God hid His Face

MARY'S SWORD -2-

But love never looked like this. Pools of blood beading the dirt beneath the cross. A heavy spike through the feet. Ribs protruding against the skin. Open wounds bothered by flies. Eyes swollen with fever. Hair matted from this morning's thorns. Hands raided to God on splintered wood. A slump torso, dangling from impaled wrists like some grotesque pendant.

This is what his mother sees as she bares her heart to the hilt of that cruel, Roman sword. It is more than a mother can bear. But somehow she does. Largely because of the man standing beside her, steadying her...John, the disciple Jesus loves. Arm in arm, the two people Jesus loves the most in the world. They were never closer to each other than they are now, at this very moment.

They hear Jesus groan as he raises his head. He shapes his farewell with a tongue that is parched and lips that are split. John leads Mary closer to spare Jesus the strain, for her son has so much to tell her:

"Thank you for everything...I owe you so much...you've been as dear a mother as anyone could ask for."

But the spasms in his chest are more frequent, and those feelings go unspoken. Jesus pushes on the spike and struggles to fill his lungs. The pain is excruciating. His words come at great effort.

"Dear woman, here is your son."

She looks to John and clutches his arm as fresh wells of tears pool in her eyes. Her lips squeeze out a tremble smile.

"John, here is your mother."

The disciple nods as he bites his lips to fight back the emotion. That is all that is said. for an intimate moment they behold the one they love so much. Then Jesus slumps again, his heavy eyes closing.

Suddenly, Mary realizes, "HE is about his Father's business."

She prays to that Father, prays that death would come quickly to her son. No, their son. For both would lose a child today. Both would bear the blade in their breast.

Yet in spite of her grief, in spite of the cold steel sheathed in her heart, she is standing near the cross. She can't bear to watch. But she can't bear to turn away either. She is there. Standing by her son. As any mother would.

She was there when he came into this world. She would be there when he left it. She was there when he was pushed through another painful passage, returning him to the arms of his Farther.

A personal prayer:

Dear Man of Sorrows,

Who, with the weight of your body pulling against those nails and the weight of the world's sin pulling against your soul, thought more of the sorrow of others than your own.

Who was such a compelling commentary on the only commandment with a promise, all the while knowing that for you that promise would be withheld.

who was stripped of everything, yet still found so much to give: to your executioners, forgiveness; to a thief, paradise; to your mother, a son.

Grant us the grace, O Lord, that we would never forget how you rose above your forsakenness to make sure your mother would not be forsaken. What an example of selfless love. What an example of everything a son should be.

Father, keep us from ever wandering far from the foot of that cross. For that is the fountain where love is most pure.

That is where we are cleansed, not only from our sin but from our pettiness. That is where we are closest to you. That is where we are closest to those who love you. Bring us there daily, Lord. That is where love is. And that is where we need to be.

Andre L. Burton
Former, USA East
Greater New York Division

MARY'S SWORD

Scripture John 19: 25-27
Mary stares at the cross, it blurs in a teary mist and seems like the hilt of a sword plunged into the heart of the earth. As she ponders the image, the cryptic words of Simeon, spoken at Jesus' birth come rushing back to her:

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword shall pierce your own soul too."

As the cross comes into focus again, it dawns on her: So this is the sword.

It is something every mother fears...losing a child. That fear has haunted her ever since Simeon's foreboding words. Then there was the terror of Herod's assassination plot on the baby. And the Suffering Servant prophecy in Isaiah has always troubled her. It was as if Death had perched on Jesus' crib since his birth, casting its dark shadow as a reminder that one day the boy would be his.

Deep down inside, Mary knew that Jesus was a child born to die. He would not grow up to be a doctor or a lawyer or a rabbi. He would not marry or give her grandchildren to carry on the family name. She's known this for a long time now and had buried it in her heart.

In pools of tears swim a few tender memories. His birth in that cold, dark stable in Bethlehem. How he shivered as she held him for the first time, so tiny and helpless. How her breast warmed him. How her song lulled him to sleep. And how, when she kissed his forehead, he looked so peaceful, without a care in the world.

The cross comes into focus again, and she sees crude, hunched-over men gambling their souls away as the cast lots for his clothes. She looks up at her son and aches. He is naked, and there is no one to warm him. He is thirsty, and there is no one to wet his lips. He is tired, and there is no one to sing him to sleep. His forehead is wrinkled in agony, and there is no one to kiss it, no one to mop his care-ridden brow.

"What did my baby ever do to deserve this?" Again her eyes blur. another memory floats by. And another. She remembers his first word. She remembers his first step. She remembers how he used to love to help her bake, and how she would pull off a portion of fresh bread, dip it in honey, and, give it to him. She remembers how it made her little boy smile and his eyes sparkle.

"What did my little boy ever do to deserve this?" she remembers when he was twelve and already about his Father's business at the temple in Jerusalem. She distinctly remembers thinking, "He's not my little boy anymore."

A mother's love, that's why she is there. A Savior's love, that's why he is.



Andre L. Burton
Former, USA East
Greater New York Division

The Salvation Army opens striking new Chelmsford centre

Just over a year after the last service was held in its old church on Parkway, the Chelmsford Corps of The Salvation Army has celebrated the dedication and official opening of a new striking suite of buildings on the same site.

The celebrations on a beautiful sunny spring day (Saturday 21 March) began with a march by church members, accompanied by The Salvation Army band, from the town centre to the new building. The 320-seat worship hall was packed for the ceremony where invited guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford, Councillor Tom and Mrs Jane Willis and the MP for West Chelmsford, Simon Burns.

The leaders of The Salvation Army for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, Commissioners John and Betty Matear, were the special guests for the weekend. Commissioner John Matear cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque in the main foyer, to officially open the new building, witnessed by Olive Hance (94) and Olivia Wright (9) representing the oldest and youngest members of The Salvation Army in Chelmsford.

The new building is made of wood panelling, covered with zinc cladding. Motorists driving along the A138 Parkway will have already noticed the innovative tower, which changes colour as light is reflected off the surface.

Major Alan Watters, church leader at Chelmsford Salvation Army with his wife Major Linda Watters, says the building is much more than a wonderful exterior. Inside, a reception area and cafe with wi-fi internet access lead on to several multi-purpose rooms, which can be used by local people, businesses, and community groups for receptions, meetings, and events. Catering and sports facilities are also available.

"The building looks spectacular from the outside, but it's been designed with the needs of users in mind, and we're sure that a wide range of community groups and local people will find it a useful resource," Major Alan Watters said.

After Saturday's service of dedication and thanksgiving, a buffet was served and the building opened to members of the public. During the afternoon and evening, more than 200 people enjoyed looking around the building and watching activities and demonstrations from members of various groups who will use the building.

The first Sunday morning service in the new church was led by Commissioner Betty Matear, and this was combined with a celebration of Mothering Sunday. The weekend was brought to a close by the evening worship service led by Commissioner John Matear.

This week, The Salvation Army in Parkway opens its doors for a series of open days to enable people to view and enjoy the new facilities and to see for themselves how the new church building may serve the local community.

The celebration week will conclude on Sunday 29 March, with a Sunday Special service starting at 4:30pm featuring finalists from a talent show organised earlier this year. 'Chelmsford's Got Talent' was held at St Peter's College and the Sunday Special will take the form of a chat show with some of the finalists of the talent competition, including the winner Hannah Dawson.

The General's Easter Message 2009: Very Early in the Morning

The early morning is a strange time. It can be filled with positive expectation or deep apprehension. How are you, early in the morning?

The 15th chapter of Mark's Gospel opens with the words, 'Very early in the morning' (New International Version), and then goes on to tell us what took place in those history-splitting pre-dawn moments. The Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, had been arrested in the night by Jerusalem Temple Guards who had known where to find him because his close friend and follower, Judas, had betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver. His yet more trusted friend, Peter, had openly denied even knowing him. The High Priest in Jerusalem questioned Jesus in public and judicial condemnation soon followed.

'Very early in the morning' Jesus, your Saviour and mine, was handed over to the Roman occupying forces, for final judgment. The Governor, Pilate, interrogated Jesus but could extract no replies. Jesus was like an innocent, defenceless lamb led to the slaughter. By this stage he did not even open his mouth to speak. Urged on by the early morning crowd, Pilate delivered Jesus to the executioners. To curry favour with the subjugated but volatile citizens, the Governor then released from prison a known killer, their compatriot, Barabbas.

All of this 'early morning' action was but a precursor to Golgotha, the place where Jesus would die. They mocked and abused him first. They thrust a crown made of long thorny spikes onto his sacred forehead. They offered him sarcastic homage. Then came history's most tragic, poignant walk – all the way, outside the city walls, to Golgotha on Calvary Hill. There, with two common thieves, Jesus was put to death by crucifixion, a cruel and exceptional punishment by today's standards. They hammered nails into his hands and feet, then raised him up on the cross to hang in slow suffocation as his body slumped downward. At the very end, six hours later, he muttered words to his Father in Heaven asking forgiveness for his persecutors.

'Very early in the morning' is a good time to ponder these events. Jesus himself was accustomed to rising early in the morning to seek out the presence and the face of God the Father.

Pre-dawn, for some, is a time for dubious deeds. It was like that for the arresting guards and their masters. It was as though their plotting needed to be done in secret and completed in a hurry. The goodness of Jesus was to them a threat, not a blessing.

How do you see it all? In the stillness and objectivity that come 'very early in the morning', how does it all look to you? Do the events of that night and the next day, as recorded in the Scriptures, arouse your emotions? Do you feel the ugliness and injustice of it? Do you feel the tragedy and pity of it? Yet at the same time there is another dimension to our responses, a subtle sense of gratitude that it happened, a growing sensation deep within, witnessing to our personal realisation that Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. He faced it all with determination – for our sakes! It was all out of holy love for the fallen human race!

'Very early in the morning' we begin to see also the growing light of a new dawn. It is the glow of the Resurrection morning and the empty tomb. Calvary was a beginning not an ending!

It is good to come to Calvary early in the morning. It is always good to come to the Lord early in the day, each and every day. Now, our Risen and Ascended Lord awaits our approach, and a smile of loving approval comes early to his face. I pray that his smile and his forgiveness may rest upon each one of us this Good Friday and this Easter Day.

Shaw Clifton, General of The Salvation Army

Sweden Becomes 7th Country to Allow Same-Sex Marriage

Sweden Becomes 7th Country to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
By Nathan Black
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, Apr. 01 2009 02:50 PM EDT

Sweden has adopted a law that legalizes same-sex marriage, making it the seventh country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed in either a religious or civil ceremony.

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After hours of debate, the Swedish parliament voted 261 to 22, with 66 abstaining or absent, on Wednesday to approve a gender-neutral law on marriage.

Christian Democrats opposed the legislation.

The new legislation repeals a 1987 law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Sweden now joins the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa and Norway in allowing same-sex marriage. In the United States, homosexual marriage is legal in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The new law takes effect May 1 and allows individual pastors the freedom to opt out of marrying same-sex couples.

The Lutheran Church of Sweden has already expressed support for the new law, according to Agence France-Presse.

Since 2007, the Church – which 74 percent of Swedes are members of – has blessed civil unions for gay and lesbian couples but stopped short of blessing gay marriages. The Lutheran Church synod is scheduled to decide in October whether or not to perform same-sex marriages, according to AFP. Polls indicate that a majority of Swedes approve of homosexual marriage. The northern European country has recognized civil unions for homosexual couples since 1995.

Here Comes Lent - Part Two -

They agreed and an interesting project began. Young and old alike would come running in about 5:30 in the afternoon with stories of SEVERE hunger. One would tell me her dad had carbo loaded on an enormous bowl of cereal right before the midnight hour. A teenager called to say she had a potato chip in her mouth before she even realized what she had done. My phone rang all day long with questions galore. Did diet pop count? Did gum? Juice? Or could they only have water. What about just a little something if they were really, really hungry? Could we hurry up the praying? Honest, I’ll die if I don’t get something to eat RIGHT NOW. Hyperbole reigned.

The first few weeks were trial and error. I explained that last minute carbo loading and gum and juice were all choices they would make on their own; only they could determine for themselves what constituted a fast in their own lives. Some weeks were more successful than others as they navigated the territory of hunger. The penny counting grew to substantial checks not based on saved food money but on the realization that hunger hurt.

The favorite corps cook contributed the fast breaking meal as her donation and we ate light but well with lots of fruit and other healthy items. Then we went about the business of our lives until Sunday morning and again on Wednesday evening but the concept of self denial became real and an understanding of the world beyond the walls of this beautiful little corps changed lives forever; both ours and our young man in Haiti. Rosemarie Hafeli kept us updated on the progress of our new friend via letters and pictures.

Easter morning arrived in all its splendid glory. As they had for years they loaded our organ onto the thrift store truck to haul it over to the sunrise service on the inter-coastal. Colonel Fred Smith spoke to the local crowd that assembled. Back we went with our truck and organ for a grand breakfast and with that Lent ended.

But, and this is a big but, self denial did not. That dedicated soldiery decided to continue to fast from Tuesday midnight until Wednesday prayer time; to continue to send money until their student. I moved onto other appointments (and had the chance to visit Haiti, the Fond des Negres school, and Rosemarie) but they stayed loyal to their decision until he became a young man and graduated. Then they went a step further with a decision to continue his support through teacher training.

God blesses every one of those soldiers daily because of what they did. He blesses them through young man in Haiti who now teaches others because they were willing to listen to a young Lieutenant with an Episcopalian heritage and a restrictive idea of self denial.

Deb Taube
Former
USA SOUTH

Here Comes Lent - Part One -

Having grown up Episcopalian the Lenten season was a quite a deal in our house. My earliest memories were of deciding what I would give up all week long. I learned quickly that Sunday, being a day of celebration, was a free day that superseded all fasts. The usual ‘give up’ in our house was sweets. We each had a tin cookie container that we would stash our treats in all week long. A lollipop here, a cupcake there, and a piece of gum or two added up to a little gold mine by Sunday afternoon. After church and dinner it was a rush to the couch with the long awaited for treasures.

As I got older and worked in my Dad’s fast food place French fries were my ‘drug’ of choice. In solidarity with my Catholic, Episcopalian, and other like-minded colleagues we stood strong against the ever leering potato as we scrubbed, peeled, rinsed, and blanched. It was six long weeks of temptation but we emerged, for the most part, victorious. By this time I had grown out of my childhood understanding of ’giving up’ and realized that what mattered was the discipline and prayer that came from the observance.

When I first came to the Army self denial was mostly the Sunday School penny march. Somewhere along the line the name was changed to World Services. I suppose that made sense since that was what the money supported but I think we lost something as well in that change. Personally I continued to observe Lent as I had since my childhood.

My first appointment from training was June to January so they escaped my Lenten practices but when I arrived in Lake Worth the tide began to turn. The first year snuck up on me a little too quickly after arrival but by year two a plan had hatched in my brain. And so began our communal journey of the rediscovery of self denial.

Lake Worth is a typical small corps with a nucleus of regular supporters and semi-regular attendees. That nucleus group rocked. Though their depth and width of their spiritual journeys were varied they were pretty much united in most schemes I tossed their way. For that I will be forever thankful. During a Wednesday evening prayer time I proposed we consider observing Lent in a traditional sense. They were willing to listen. I explained my plan.

SA HAITI
Part one, we would fast from midnight on Tuesday until we met to pray on Wednesday evening. After we prayed we would share a meal together to break the fast.

Part two, each person would determine the amount of money they had saved on food that day for their offering.

Part three, the money would be used to support a student at the Army school in Fond des Negres, Haiti where a day without food was a lifestyle instead of a choice.



Deb Taube
Former
USA South

THE CROSSBEAM -2-

The one outlaw hears all this and lifts his faint head to look at the man from whose lips these tender words came. And when his eyes meet the Savior's, for a moment all time stands still. In those eyes he sees no hatred, no scorn, no judgment. He sees only one thing--forgiveness. Then he knows. He is face to face with a dying God. That thief didn't know much theology. He only knew three things:

1. That Jesus was a king.
2. That his kingdom was not of this world.
3. And that this king had the power to bring even the most unworthy into his kingdom.

But that was enough. And, in an intimate moment with the Savior, a lifetime of moral debt is cancelled.

Incredible, when you think of it. Amidst the humiliating abuse of the crowd and the excruciating pain of the cross, Jesus was still about his Father's business. Even with his eyes sinkingon the feverish horizon of death, he was telling a common thief about the uncommon riches of heaven.

During this time of Lent I pray that Jesus would help me look at him through the eyes of that thief on the cross. And grant me the grace to see in his eyes the forgiveness that he saw.

For, I too, have stolen much. When I have gossiped, I have taken from another's reputation, and in the process, robbed from my own. When I have raised my voice in anger, I have taken something away from peace. When I have aided and abetted immoral thoughts, I have stolen from another's dignity, depreciating that person from a sacred object of his love to a common object of my own lust. When I have hurt someone's feelings, I have taken something from that person's self-worth--something which might never be replaced, something for which I might never be able to make restitution. When I have spoken the truth, but not in love, I have stolen from his kingdom by pushing a soul, not closer, but farther away from the borders of paradise.

Remember me, O King, a common thief. I stand before you naked in the shame of a squandered life--and I ask you to clothe me. I stand before you with a gnawing hunger in my soul--and I ask you to feed me. I stand before you thirsting for forgiveness--and I ask you to touch but a drop of your tender mercies to my parched lips.

May he grant me the grace to live such a life that when he does remember me in his kingdom, he may remember me with a smile, and look forward to the day when I, too, will be with him in paradise. . . .

Andre L. Burton
Former, USA East
Greater New York