In two weeks we will celebrate Easter. At this time of year in particular, we should embrace in our hearts the great love of God, who sent his Son, Jesus, into our world to live among us as a brother. He lived as light and love – teaching, calling, healing, casting out demons, challenging sin and pride, forgiving, giving new life, and even raising the dead. But because people loved darkness rather than light, Jesus was hated, persecuted, slandered, and tortured. He was willing to suffer unthinkable torment, forsakenness, pain, and death on the cross to free us from our sins and our coldness of heart. He took upon himself the sin of all humankind – from creation to today and into the future. He died, was buried, and was grieved by those who loved him, whom he had healed and set free. Yet this death was not eternal – he even freed captive souls in hell.

A Bruderhof pastor’s message to his communities calls each of us to wake up to what God is doing in our world.