Today is a Good Friday, a day of major significance to Christians worldwide.

It normally would be a day that would bring people together in remembrance of Christ’s crucifixion. The public gatherings will not take place this year, as the coronavirus pandemic keeps people in their homes.

But the observance of Good Friday will go on around the world. For many, this year’s Good Friday service will be observing a livestreaming message on the internet.

Like the pale over Jerusalem right after Christ’s death, a solemn sense hangs like a cloud over this Easter weekend across the globe.

But, just as the authorities and Jewish leaders of the day couldn’t keep Christ in the grave, neither can this pandemic break the spirit and resolve of people everywhere.

The message of Easter has and always will be one of hope, salvation, and the Good News of eternal life. Christ is Risen — He has Risen Indeed!

That hope and understanding will sustain us in the days ahead. Hopefully, we all can experience peace in the time until the sheltering mandates are lifted and we all can return back to life as it was six weeks ago.

And, during this weekend of reflection, consider this — all the world is in this battle together. We all are united, and we all face this pandemic crisis together.

This Easter, may the light of Christ’s resurrection shine bright through the darkness of this pandemic.

We are all in this together.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)