THE Bishop of Warrington Rt Rev Bev Mason shares her message for the town this Easter

I DON’T need to tell anyone how tough this past year has been for us - I’m minded, too, of those residents still living with the effects of the flooding.

For very many, it has been trauma on top of trauma.

Just before Easter, a journalist asked what I made of retailers messaging their excitement at the consumer purchasing taking place: people buying gifts, easter trees, and party decorations.

Mindful of the latest guidelines and the appeal to ‘stay safe’, I think it’s wonderful that Easter will, as far as possible, bring people together to celebrate.

There’s so much catching up to be done and stories to be shared.

Families and friends long to hug; to meet members of their family born during lockdown, to reconnect with beloved family members and friends in care homes or simply living too far away.

We’ve all been too long apart from one another.

The Easter message is especially important for all of us:

On Easter Sunday clergy and congregations declare Alleluia Christ is Risen, celebrating the hope we all need.

For when Jesus’ death on the Cross looked like the light had been snuffed out and the world would forever remain in the darkness of our disorientation and lostness, the resurrection comes, just three days later.#

Jesus bursts from the cold, dark, isolated tomb, emerging victorious over death – the keyholder to eternal life. He is the living proof that his way, is God’s way, is the right way – and he invites us to follow him in the way of love, compassion and truth.

Throughout this year, we’ve seen gentle and compassionate acts of kindness from strangers and people we never previously noticed; and we’ve seen heroic and sacrificial acts of goodness that have inspired us.

We have so much to be thankful for.

I hope, too, we shall make time to remember the hurting and weep with those who have lost so much and thank God that through Jesus, the eternal light cannot be snuffed out and that we are His and He is ours.

We all need Easter. Let’s break the fast and celebrate the new dawn.

As for Tinsel and baubles? Bring it on, I say, together with the sparklers, the resurrection cocktails and the chocolate eggs!

Alleluia Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed.

God give you a truly blessed and happy Easter; shared with people you love.