If you are observing the Easter holiday today, please accept best wishes from all of us at the Northwest Progressive Institute.
Easter is the most significant holy day for Christianity’s many denominations, although not all of them are celebrating it today. Passages like the following excerpt from the Gospel of Matthew (28:1–10) are commonly read during Easter services and liturgies as part of Christian communities’ observance of the holiday, as they are considered authoritative accounts of the Easter story by Christians.
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning,
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
And behold, there was a great earthquake;
for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it.
His appearance was like lightning
and his clothing was white as snow.
The guards were shaken with fear of him
and became like dead men.
Then the angel said to the women in reply,
“Do not be afraid!
I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified.
He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.
Come and see the place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell his disciples,
‘He has been raised from the dead,
and he is going before you to Galilee;
there you will see him.’
Behold, I have told you.”
Then they went away quickly from the tomb,
fearful yet overjoyed,
and ran to announce this to his disciples.
And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.
They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage.
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee,
and there they will see me.”
Easter liturgical services from Seattle Christian churches
St. James (Catholic faith tradition)
St. Mark’s (Episcopal faith tradition)
Gethsemane (Lutheran faith tradition)
https://vimeo.com/video/815788966
First Free Methodist Church
Easter messages from elected leaders
President Joe Biden released the following statement today:
Jill and I join Christians around the world in celebrating Easter Sunday, a day of hope and joy, renewal and rebirth. It marks the end of Lent, a period of sacrifice and contemplation. And it commemorates Christ’s Resurrection, a powerful reminder of God’s love and the promise of redemption for us all.
During Lent and especially on Good Friday, we held in our hearts all those who are suffering from threats of violence and persecution, grief and isolation, and illness, poverty, and other hardships.
Today, we hold close the Easter message that nothing – not even death – can match the power of faith, hope, and love. And we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and recommit ourselves to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves, embracing His call to treat one another with compassion.
To all those gathering in churches and homes around the world today, happy Easter and may God bless and keep you.
British Columbia Premier David Eby released the following statement:
Easter is at the heart of Christianity. Followers of the faith celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead after his crucifixion, which comes with a powerful message of redemption.
We reflect on the universal values of Christianity — peace, love, joy and kindness — and look for ways to incorporate those values into our daily lives. For many people, this is also a time to welcome longer and brighter days, and even a visit from the Easter bunny.
This weekend, my wife Cailey and I will be busy hiding Easter eggs for our kids, Iva and Ezra, and then sitting back and watching their joy as they fill their baskets.
Easter’s message of hope for the brighter days ahead really resonates with me this year, as we emerge from the pandemic. Our government is committed to a British Columbia where everyone can build a good life, with strong connections to family and community.
Whether you’re having an Easter egg hunt of your own, attending a special church service or enjoying a meal with friends and family, I wish you a wonderful Easter.
Easter reads
- In the pope’s Easter address, a call to pray for Ukrainians, Russians and refugees (NPR)
- Nashville, Battered and Mourning, Pauses for Easter (New York Times)
- Why is Easter celebrated with eggs? What to know about the holiday’s origins and how it’s changed (USA Today)
- Ramadan, Passover and Easter: Sunday sees rare triple holiday (KSTP)
- Food safety tips to keep your family safe this Easter (Marler Clark)
Again, Happy Easter!