links for 2008-03-23

The Passion

The Passion, BBC 1

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As Jesus is taken from the cross and buried, his disciples cower in hiding. Caiaphas, fearful that the body will be stolen, orders the tomb to be guarded. But when Mary Magdalene discovers it empty, a chain of events is about to begin that will transform the lives of the disciples and reverberate throughout the world for the next two thousand years.

I watched the last episode of the BBC production, The Passion, tonight. I found it incredibly moving. I am moved by the reality of Christ. God’s Son. Here. Dying for our sins. Rising from the dead and promising to be with us always.

This BBC series started slowly but depicted the trial, crucifixion and resurrection imaginatively and faithfully. As a believer I was challenged. I realised that those who followed Jesus as he preached in Galilee and Judea put their lives and reputations at risk. They also had far less to convince them that he was The Messiah than I do. No New Testament, no resurrection, no Holy Spirit – just a man who claimed he was God’s only Son who said and did incredible things. Their doubt was tangible, just like mine.

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Easter Day

Outside it’s white over. Heavy snow fell in the night. So Easter Day in York starts with a chill.
New Christians are being baptised in the city today. It was to have been an open air event, but the church leaders have decided to move it indoors.

Easter Baptisms in York 2007
Easter Baptisms in York 2007

One Voice York
As Britain braces itself for predicted wintery weather, we have made the decision to move what was to be an open-air event to St Michael-le-Belfrey next to the Minster.

Candidates from many York churches are being baptised and you are invited to join the celebration with us at 3pm.

The York City Gospel Choir will be performing and Archbishop Sentamu will be talking as part of this lively unique event.

It’s a day to celebrate Christianity’s greatest event – its dawn. I know many find the fact of Christ’s resurrection from the dead hard to believe, but without it there is no faith. “If Christ is not risen we are of all men most miserable”

links for 2008-03-21