Good Friday...  What's so good about it?

Have you ever greeted someone with "Good Morning" and gotten the sour response "what's so good about it?"  We sometimes have a hard time seeing the good in something - especially while it is happening.  The disciples had a hard time seeing this Friday as good (you can just hear the despair in the voices of the two on the road to Emmaus a few days later).  People today -- as the novelty of quarantine wears off and the constant questions of "when will this end" continue -- struggle to see the good.

But God is at work.  He works through those who are working in dangerous situations.  He is at work in those who are finally seeing "menial workers" as real people with concerns and lives.  He is at work in all the ways people are facing the reality of true priorities in life.  Many of the ways God is at work is through those who do not even realize it.  It was the same on that Good Friday.  God was at work through the religious leaders and the Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate and Simon of Cyrene.  Some would come to faith later, some would refuse the Holy Spirit's work all their lives.  But God was at work through it all to bring salvation to the world.

So it is today.  It is rare on a given day to know how significant it may be (especially when you first wake up).  You may never know how a certain word or smile or "God bless you today" may have an eternal effect on someone.  But that is because it is not our work - it is God's work through you.  He is the One at work - and we are simply joining Him.  And each day is given its significance - its "goodness" - through that one Good Friday.  Each day God is working through you to share His Gospel of love, mercy, and salvation -- often in ways we never saw coming or even recognize at the time.

A Blessed Good Friday -- today and always.

Click here for the devotional song "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)"

Click here for our traditional Stripping of the Altar

As Jesus gave the gift of Communion, He said, "Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me." (I Corinthians 11)  The Early Christians met together every day (Acts 2).  Christians throughout most of history could only partake a few times a year.  We have been blessed to receive the Lord's Supper every week... until a few weeks ago.  For many, the last several weeks have felt like a drought!

Some of us have signed up to come to Prince of Peace and receive communion in family groups.  Some of us, out of faithful consideration for the welfare of others, have not.  God gives us many responsibilities - areas of stewardship in life.  We look to Him to live out those responsibilities in the best way we are able.  Some who have been unable to receive God's gift of forgiveness through communion may be feeling guilty.  Know this: there is a big difference between ignoring God's gifts and being faithfully unable to partake.

As Jesus sat with His disciples at the table, He said, "One of you will betray me."  All the disciples asked, "Is it I?"  And we know the answer is "Yes".  We all betray Jesus by our thoughts, words, and actions - done and undone, known and unknown.  Follow Jesus from the table to the garden and to the cross.  "He forgave us all our sins... He took it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2      

In 2020, many people were looking for ways to celebrate individually at home.

Although individual celebrations are not as beneficial as gathering with God's people, sometimes it is necessary (i.e. for those who are ill or homebound).  Or we can add these individual celebrations to our communal gatherings.  

Click here to download materials to celebrate Holy Week at home.