When Easter doesn’t unfold as planned, God still shows up. This heartfelt reflection invites readers to rediscover Christ’s presence, unity, and deep joy in the most unexpected moments of worship.
This article originally appeared in the Just Between Us Weekly Digital Magazine.
by Dyann Shepard
On Easter Sunday several years ago, my husband and I were out of town. We were looking for a place to worship. At each church we came across, we seemed to have already missed the service. Eventually, we found a small church in the old section of Salinas, California. That morning’s service is forever etched on my heart and mind.
The pastor announced he would not be giving a sermon. Instead, we would spend the morning praising God for what He had done for us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. There was a simplicity and tenderness to the service. The small congregation was an eclectic assortment of people. Some were dressed in their Easter finest, while many others appeared to be homeless and just off the street. The man sitting next to me was disheveled and missing most of his teeth. As we sang a familiar hymn, I looked toward him. Tears were running down his cheeks, as they were mine. At that moment, I saw him as my brother. We were both God’s children, not because of who we were, what we had, or what we did, but solely based on Who Christ is and what He has done for us. We were part of the family of God.
Later in the service, a woman dressed in a purple robe with a big turban on her head suddenly ran down the aisle, praising God loudly. As she rushed down the aisle, another woman, dressed in a beautiful yellow suit, jumped up, ran after her, and threw her arms around her. The woman in yellow just held her and loved her in the most touching scene. I was overcome with emotion and sensed that this was a sacred moment.
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