Three Short Days

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb John 20:1 ESV

With snow seemingly falling everywhere except Florida this year, I am reminded of the year before we moved here and Scranton was buried under twenty four inches of snow. Cars were completely covered, our street was closed for two days and everyone’s schedule came to a screeching halt! But then just three weeks later, with the temperatures reaching almost 80 degrees, the snow vanished. What a difference those three short weeks made!

Yup that’s my car (I think!)

One Sunday morning 2000 years ago just think what a difference three short days made. On Friday the disciples fled in fear. When Joseph and Nicodemus put Jesus into the tomb it seemed that all their hopes lay cold and dead in the grave. But on that dark morning of the third day, when Mary came she discovered in astonishment that the stone had been rolled back and the grave stood empty!  Then Jesus Himself drew near. Mary mistook Him for a simple gardener, until He called her name and then she was filled with joy. Not much has changed in 2000 years. We may think of Jesus as a great teacher, a loving healer or a simple carpenter, but we only know Him when He comes and calls our name! What a difference those three short days have made!

12 Gifts of Christmas / 5th Gift Hope

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. Matthew 12:20

A few years ago when we lived in the city of Scranton, a house in our neighborhood was condemned and slated for demolition. Ironically, the problems had nothing to do with the owner’s neglect, but with the home’s unfortunate luck to be near a large storm sewer project. During all the digging, smashing and scraping going on out in the street, the building’s foundation had cracked. The city quickly paid the owner for the damages and he moved out. Then shortly afterward, large equipment was brought and in just two days the house was completely demolished and all its rubble carted away.

Is there anyone in your world like this small unfortunate home? Maybe their lives have gotten a little too close to other people’s important building projects. The heavy equipment, the digging and smashing going on that is happening while others are reaching their goals has weakened their footings.  Problems beyond their control have wiped away in a few short hours an entire lifetime of family dinners, memories of children playing and hopes for the future.

The world specializes in wrecking hopes and dreams, but Jesus said that He would never break bruised hearts or put out flickering candles of hope. If during this Christmas season the wrecking ball of life comes to tear down our neighbor’s home, we have an opportunity to point them to the gift of hope we have found who was born in a manger. He still shines a light in darkness that no situation person or problem will ever be able to put out!

Prayers for Allied Services

The news that I had been praying I would never read showed up today in the middle of Holy Week. Some of the resident and staff at Allied Services in Scranton have tested positive for the Corona virus. Not only does this matter because it is by far and away the largest long term care facility in Northeast Pennsylvania but it is dear to my heart from the many years that I volunteered there and was blessed to know and sing for hundreds of its residents. Let’s pray earnestly and ask for our Lord Jesus for His grace and strength for everyone effected including staff, residents and family.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 ESV

Here is the link to the article from Channel 16 News

https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lackawanna-county/residents-at-allied-services-in-scranton-test-positive-for-covid-19/523-dcc5d873-de0c-45c0-a364-b62adb7f63ce