God's Love

by Dr. Ann Pearson on March 29, 2021

During Holy Week, many Christians recall the significant events leading up to Resurrection Easter morning. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ humble entry on a donkey into Jerusalem to observe Passover. Jesus was greeted by crowds of people who spread their cloaks, laid palm branches in His path and proclaimed Him King. (Matthew 21:5). He was shown great love and many were excited to see the Savior. As the week progressed, the High officials felt threatened by His popularity.

Maundy Thursday marks another memorable event, Jesus having the Last Supper with His disciples. This sacramental, covenant experience continues to be a central theme of our Christian worship today. The Catholic Church marks this day with the act of washing the feet of one another.

Good Friday commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross; it is traditionally a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting. On this day the scripture speaks loud and clear to the love God displayed.

^“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16 - 17

Many times, Christians think only of the horrific death and persecution of Jesus during Holy Week but as my faith deepens I see the sacrificial love that He embodied on that day. God allowed His Son to die on the cross and pay the debt for our sins. God was willing to give His most precious gift, Jesus Christ, as an act of deep devotion, commitment and love to us. What great love God gave to us for future generations.

Holy Saturday, also called Easter Vigil, is the traditional end of Lent.

Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection which occurs on the third day after His crucifixion. Many of you have heard and read these events of the life of Jesus during this week but I wanted to emphasize the love that God has given to us. The raising of Jesus from the dead offers hope and promise to all those who believe. His love has the power to change us. Easter brings the opportunity for renewal and rebirth for all.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, what great love and sacrifice you have shown to your children. Before we were born Your Son paid the ultimate price for all our sins by dying on the cross. Your sacrifice was the surrendering of all. You raised your Son as a symbol of Your love and for all present and future generations to come. Your love is greater than the highest mountain and the depths of the deepest seas. You are greater than all things. We praise and honor You in all our days. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

My love and prayers,

Ann

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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