Our family recently had the opportunity to be in Manhattan for the weekend. One of our stops was St. Paul's Chapel, located across from Ground Zero. Built in 1766, it stands as a history lesson amid 21st century progress and development. Here George Washington worshiped after he was inaugurated as our first president.

Those same pews now bear the scars of the toolbelts of rescue workers who there sought a moment's refuge from their work. St. Paul's is an amazing blend of our history and present situation.

It is also a great illustration for Easter. Our celebration of Easter fills us with joy because Christ is risen! While His resurrection is an historical event, it is more importantly a present reality. Christ is alive and is seated on His heavenly throne and is, through His Holy Spirit, comforting, strengthening, forgiving, and
empowering his people today.

I invite you to worship your risen Savior each Sunday, not just Easter, and rejoice in God's gifts that are available to you today and every day.