ELCA Presiding Bishop's 2008 Easter Message

"For you have died, your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4)

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"You have died." The words resonate because this world's violence and suffering - so pervasive, so needless, so relentless - haunt every human community and life. Where death rules, hope lies entombed in endless grief.

Another death - the crucifixion of Jesus - changed everything. God is not hidden, but present through suffering, sorrow, and death. Jesus is God's resounding "yes!" to the steadfastness of God's forgiving love, embodied on a cross.

The death of Jesus shows no partiality. It was for all nations and all people - for them, for you, for me. Your life is now with Christ. In baptism you have died. Hidden with Christ, no longer entombed in grief, your life carries the promise of glory.

From that first day of resurrection onward, God has been raising up messengers of salvation, heralds of peace, and testifiers of the promised glory. You are a witness of the hope to come. Quite simply, Christ is your life, my life, our life. You have no other than this One who lives resurrected in you.

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America