Good Friday Night of Worship
It’s hard to believe that Easter is just right around the corner, but as I write this there are just 43 days till our Good Friday Night of Worship. I hope you will make plans to join us on Friday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. as we reflect on the cross of Christ. This night will be a great opportunity for us as a church family to join our voices together and thank God for the sacrifice of His Son. The love, mercy, and grace displayed on the cross washes away our sins when we call on His name, the name of Jesus.
“32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” - Luke 23:32-34a
On Good Friday, we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We take a moment to pause and let our minds ponder the beating that He took, the crown of thorns pressed into His head, and the blood pouring out of His flesh that was battered and bruised. We don’t do this because it’s fun or joyful, but rather we do this to be reminded of the immense love that God displayed by sending His own son to die on the cross to save us.
“God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, "I love you.” - Billy Graham
“44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.” - Luke 23:44-46
It is often difficult for us to observe Good Friday well. Maybe because we don’t like to dwell on such horrid events, or perhaps it’s because we live with hindsight and we know what is coming on Resurrection Sunday. However, I think letting ourselves remember the tragic events of Friday allows us to better celebrate the events of Sunday. His death gives us life, and remembering this should allow us to rejoice all the greater.
So, I encourage you to take Good Friday seriously and to make plans to join on April 3rd. You will have great opportunity to sing, be reminded of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross through the Word of God, and encourage others as we worship the Lord together. There is no better way to kick off Easter weekend than worshiping our Savior!
