HOLY JOY

A New Week Begins, Easter 2026

“The powers of death have done their worst, Jesus their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of Holy Joy outburst. Alleluia! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!” (The Strife Is O’er)

Can you remember the last time you felt something even close to “Holy Joy”?

I’m guessing it’s not the kind of thing most of us get to experience very often, but with an assist from God’s grace, every once in a while… There it is!

Even though it’s always had strong ties to Easter for me, because it’s a gift, you can’t really force it or schedule it. If you could, then all those early morning Sunrise services would have been packed!

Our Lord doesn’t want you to just hear “about” the events of that very first Easter, He wants you to personally experience the unexpected joy of a love that refuses to die.

During this year’s Holy Week the person who helped me to see and to feel that miracle in action again was guy that some of you know. His name is Jim Rogerson and in appreciation for his ongoing impact, I wrote him this letter….

Dear Jim,

I’ve been thinking of you this week for a couple of reasons. On Monday Jan invited us over to the house. We had a lovely visit. Together you guys created a beautiful home.

We shared lots of stories about you and laughed often. As you know, Jan is one tough cookie, and though it’s not been easy for her, somehow it feels like a gift when her stories remind us of how your love lives on.

Just the other day she shared this delightful picture of your grandson Otto wearing your hat. Apparently, he was going to be performing in a Hoedown at his school that night and your hat added the perfect touch.

One of my favorite things that Jan did in your honor was the tree that she had planted for all to enjoy. I love the plaque she created to go with it….

“Celebrating Jim. A Quiet example of service, humility and a comfort to all. His love lives on in our hearts and actions… I request the next dance!”

The other reason I thought of you today is because of a picture that’s been going around this Holy Week. It looks like it was taken by a Sunday School teacher.

Although I’ve never been good at Arts & Crafts, I think that even I could pull this one off. All it requires is a couple of donuts and a popsicle stick. Here’s the kicker. One of them is a donut hole!

I will never forget the countless Sundays when you were one of the first people to arrive for worship, not only because it was great to see your smiling face but because you had always stopped first to bring along a bag full of fresh donut holes to share with everyone.

Anyway, I wanted you to know that on this Easter morning as I’m getting ready to celebrate our Lord’s victory over death, that my joy will include knowing you and how even a donut hole can remind us that we are still connected and always will be…

Turns out, resurrection can look a lot like a missing center!

Happy Easter my friends!

My hope for all of us is the same: As as you think about the people in your life, including those you can still talk to in person, and those in which we need God’s spirit to help…

That the good Lord would grant to each of you: Grace for your journey. Peace for your soul. And the kind of Holy Joy that refuses to stay buried!

Johnny B ++

Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds is another one of my favorite Easter songs. The lyrics capture so much of our faith and if you happen to know the tune, then go ahead and double your blessing by singing along…

“Oh, fill us Lord with dauntless love. Set hearts and will on things above, that we conquer through your triumph. Grant grace sufficient for life’s day, that by our lives we truly say: Christ has triumphed! He is living! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!”