A message from Jeremy Rensford, Chair of Greater Shepparton Ministers’ Association
On behalf of the Christian community of Greater Shepparton I’d like to acknowledge our wider community at this most special time of year for Christians. Sometimes it’s not easy to understand why certain holidays/festivals/religious celebrations are special. There can often be misinformation going around. I had the honour of speaking at a recent Diversity Week function and understand how important it is that we understand each other’s culture and beliefs. Many may think of Easter time as being about a chance to go camping, eat chocolate (understandably!), the Easter bunny and maybe not eating meat on Good Friday.
While these things have varying degrees of validity, what’s most important for us Christians, is what Jesus did for everyone; it’s so much more than just a religious ritual. To us, it’s the story of God reaching into our world, taking on our pain, and breaking the power of death.
On the peculiarly named Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus was crucified. It’s called “good” not because the suffering was good, but because, in that moment, we believe Jesus chose to take upon himself the worst of our human sin, guilt, and brokenness. For us, Good Friday shows that God takes our failures and regrets seriously and is willing to walk into the darkness with us. That is good!
Then, on Resurrection Sunday (widely known as Easter Sunday), we celebrate our belief that Jesus rose from the dead. This is not a nice, feel good “Hollywood” ending, but rather it’s the heart of Christian hope. If His death is the final “no” to our old lives, Christians believe Jesus’ resurrection is God’s great “yes” for what’s next – that life, forgiveness, and a fresh start are possible from this miracle gift of God. Resurrection Sunday is about none of us being beyond the reach of a loving God, no matter how distant we may feel.
I hope this little article brings clarity to our wider community that may be wondering what the Easter weekend is really all about. I thank you all for your friendship, support, and for the part you play in making this a place where people can live, hope, and grow together.
