Christians, the world over, celebrate today as the anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth from the dead after he was executed by the Romans occupying Judea at the time. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) warned Alabamians that despite the holiday they need to continue to practice social distancing and avoid the traditional Easter Church services, community Easter egg hunts, and large extended family gatherings that are part of Alabamians’ traditional Easter customs.
“My fellow Alabamians, As we enter the most Holy time for our faith, I know it is easy to be discouraged with everything that is happening in our world right now,” Gov. Ivey said in a statement. “It is disheartening to see so many of our fellow Alabamians falling victim to this disease and we can grow impatient with the disruption to our daily lives.”
“We know we need to abide by these social distancing guidelines for the benefit of us all, but it has made many feel isolated and lonely,” Ivey said. “Scripture reminds us in John 16:33 that “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! He has overcome the world.””
“Friends, Jesus’ death on the cross is the promise that Christ will make all things new and he can work all things for His good,” Ivey stated. “I know this year’s Easter isn’t what we are used to… This too shall pass.”
“As you join others in faith this Sunday through your electronic device, let us give thanks to the Lord for his blessings on our lives and remember each other in prayer,” Ivey continued. “Remember, we’ll get through this, together, even when we are standing six feet apart. May God bless you and the great state of Alabama.”
To see video of Ivey’s message:
There are numerous Easter Day services being streamed online. The Alabama based Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) will be showing Easter services on their cable channel as well as online.
President Donald J. Trump (R) will join millions of worshippers viewing this Easter’s services online:
“Wishing all a safe and blessed Easter Sunday,” Pres. Trump said on Twitter. “I will be tuning into Pastor @robertjeffress at http://firstdallas.org/liveworship Church in Dallas, Texas tomorrow morning at 10:20 AM Eastern. https://twitter.com/robertjeffress/status/1248418249856827395.”
“Now on the first day of the week Mary Mag’dalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran, and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Peter then came out with the other disciple, and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first; 5and stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; he saw the linen cloths lying, and the napkin, which had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not know the scripture, that he must rise from the dead.” (John 20: 1-9)
