Times of Eswatini

A journey of love, sacrifice and renewal

- By Jelly Fields (sedatia ‘darty’ tsaBedze)

EASTER is a time of reflection and growth, a time to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.

As Christians, we believe that God saves, protects, creates and ultimately died for our sins.

It is a time to be grateful for the new life that Jesus offers us, a chance to start fresh and leave behind our old ways.

The story of Easter begins with Jesus being crucified on the cross on Good Friday, a painful and cruel death that He endured for us. But His death was not the end, for on Easter Sunday, He rose again from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. This act of love and sacrifice is a reminder of the eternal well of grace and mercy that God offers us, a well of fresh spring water that rejuvenate­s and refreshes our souls.

As we reflect on Easter, we are called to give thanks for the new chance that Jesus has given us, to be grateful for the freedom from sin that His death and resurrecti­on bring. We are called to carry the symbol of the cross with us, a symbol of hope and love that reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

It is a time to prepare ourselves for the walk with God, to surrender our spirits to Him and to trust that He will guide us through our fears and struggles. We must be ready to embrace the new life that Jesus offers us, to leave behind our old selves and become renewed in His love.

SacriFice

As we celebrate Easter, let us remember the deep story of love and sacrifice that it represents, a story of redemption and new beginnings.

Let us carry the message of Easter in our hearts and share it with others, so that all may know the hope and love that Jesus offers us.

‘The Easter Prayer: A Reflection on Love, Sacrifice and New Life’

Dear Heavenly Father, as Easter approaches, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and awe for the sacrifice that your son Jesus made for us on the cross. We thank you for your endless love and mercy, for the new life and hope that Easter brings.

Lord, we reflect on the pain and suffering that Jesus endured on Good Friday, willingly taking on our sins and offering Himself as a sacrifice for our redemption. We are humbled by His selfless act of love, by His willingnes­s to endure the cross so that we may have eternal life.

Conquering

As we approach Easter Sunday, we are filled with anticipati­on and joy, knowing that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all.

We thank you, Lord, for the victory that He won for us, for the new life and freedom that we have through Him.

Forgive us, Lord, for our sins and shortcomin­gs. Help us to let go of our old ways and embrace the new life that you offer us through Jesus. Give us the strength and courage to walk with you, to trust in your guidance and love.

We surrender our spirits to you, Lord, knowing that you are the source of all life and love. We ask that you renew us, revive us, and rejuvenate us with your grace. Help us to be vessels of your light and love, shining brightly for all to see.

Lord, we thank you for the symbol of the cross, a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, a symbol of hope and love that we carry with us always.

Grace

May we never forget the price that was paid for our salvation, may we never take for granted the grace that you offer us.

As we celebrate Easter, may we reflect on the deep story of love and sacrifice that it represents.

May we be filled with gratitude and joy, knowing that we are loved beyond measure by you, our Heavenly Father.

Guide us, O Lord, on this journey of faith and renewal. Fill us with your presence and peace, so that we may walk with you in confidence and trust.

Help us to share the message of Easter with others, that all may know the hope and love that Jesus offers us.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Eswatini