Matthew 28:5-6 NLT
Then the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.”
On this blessed Easter Sunday, may the joyous message of the resurrection fill every heart in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with hope and renewed faith. As the stone was rolled away to reveal the empty tomb, may any barriers to understanding and embracing the fullness of God’s love for this community be removed.
May the same power that raised Jesus from the dead invigorate every aspect of life in New Bethlehem, from its quiet homes to its bustling streets, its schools to its places of worship. Let the promise of new life in Christ inspire each resident to rise above challenges, to renew commitments to one another, and to foster a spirit of unity and peace that mirrors the early dawn of that first Easter.
As the angel invited the women to see the place where He lay, may New Bethlehem be invited to witness the living presence of Jesus in their midst. May this invitation lead to deeper personal encounters with Him, strengthening the fabric of the community with threads of grace, forgiveness, and enduring love.
Let the truth of the resurrection—that Jesus is not among the dead but alive—illuminate every corner of New Bethlehem, guiding its people to live out their faith with boldness and compassion. May the reality of God’s power over death expand the horizons of what the community believes is possible, fostering a collective resilience and a forward-looking hope.
On this day of celebration, may New Bethlehem be enveloped in the peace of the Risen Lord, a peace that surpasses understanding yet fills the heart with assurance. May this peace be a foundation for the community, a source of strength and joy, as they share life together and look to the future with confidence in God’s faithful presence and eternal promises.
Blessed be New Bethlehem on this glorious Easter Sunday, and may the victory of Jesus over the grave be a wellspring of eternal hope, uniting the community in celebration and gratitude for the gift of life everlasting.