Live always at the edge of poetic possibilty, even in the face of severe prose. - Walter Bruggemann


Sunday, March 23, 2008

Easter Sunrise Over Jerusalem

Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! At 5:15 am the member of the English speaking congregation met on the top of the
Mount of Olives for Easter Sunrise.
Lights are still on in the Jordan River Valley. We are facing east, Jerusalem is behind us.
The sun is almost visible over Jordan.

The evening haze is beginning to wear off. The sliver of silver below the furthest mountain range is the tip of the Dead Sea.
The landscape is doted with Olive trees.
The sky is turning pink.

A pink sky revealing the dawning of the sun.


Celebrating Holy Communion
Musicians of the day accompanying us as we sang "Jesus Christ is Risen Today"
and "Thine is the Glory."

Easter breakfast at the home of the Brown's at the Lutheran World Federation.
Most of us were seated on the grounds which overlooked Jerusalem.
On the way home I stopped at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Latin Church is celebrating Holy Communion in front of the tomb.
May the joy of Easter and the hope and gift of new life bless us all today and every day!
Christ is Risen! He is rise indeed!
Al-Masih Qam - Hakkan Qam!

4 comments:

Dina said...

Wow. Hope you're taking a siesta by now. Your pilgrim feet deserve it after all this. Kol hakavod.
Warm enough for you?
But seriously, HAPPY EASTER!

RICHARD W. WARNER said...

Beautiful sunrise, beautiful service, beautiful pictures, Beautiful country, beautiful people.
Ordinary Me.

RICHARD W. WARNER said...

And, of course, Happy Easter,!
Me again

Suzanne said...

A siesta was definately in order, so many treks back and forth, up and down the Mount of Olives, I have a completely new regard for Scripture and the passion.

Thank you for all of your warm wishes...and yes, it is warm enough for me!!