Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. (Isa 40:2 NIV) For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2Co 6:2 NIV)

It is the joyous festive season of Easter, because the Lord Jesus Christ has victoriously risen from the dead and lives now and forever. He has started up a new song with his resurrection. The new creation gives hope, life and salvation to those, who were caught up in darkness and the shadow of death. He has cemented the new proclamation of the Lord’s tender mercies, the forgiveness of all sins, of redemption fulfilled and vicarious satisfaction accomplished. The Lord’s has heard the cries of his people and has granted lasting help, deliverance and salvation from all evil. This gospel is to be preached to the ends of the world including those, who are poor, forgotten and outcast. They too are to hear of the Lord’s favour and of his marvellous salvation. It’s the lasting melody and cantus firmus of the Churches proclamation and mission in this world. Come and taste how friendly your God is +

Good Christian men, rejoice and sing!
Now is the triumph of our King!
To all the world glad news we bring:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

The Lord of life is risen today!
Sing songs of praise along his way;
let all the earth rejoice and say:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Praise we in songs of victory
that love, that life which cannot die,
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Your name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Cyril A. Alington (1872-1955)