Born this day in 1938

“In life and in death we belong to God,” and then these:

“Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.” (From a brief statement of faith)

That is the good news of Easter. Death has been overcome. Jesus Christ walked into the valley of the shadow of death and did not stay there.

And so there is nothing to fear. You and I are free from all that, free from fear and dread and deadly anxiety.

Free to live now with a sense of glorious abandon. Free to love our dear ones and this beautiful world. Free to give ourselves gladly to the dream and hope and work of God’s kingdom. Free to live every day of these lives of ours, right up to the last one, in gratitude and joy and hope.

Full sermon

https://www.fourthchurch.org/sermons/2008/032308.html