As we come to celebrate another Holy Week and Easter in Nazareth, we give thanks to God for his loving-kindness and faithfulness to the staff and families of different entities of the Nazareth Trust through this most challenging of years! He has indeed been our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, and there is much to be grateful for in terms of God’s protection, provision, and presence with us over the past twelve months.

The Easter season coincides with our emergence from the third wave of the Coronavirus pandemic in Israel. The rapid roll-out of the Coronavirus vaccinations has resulted in a dramatic drop in the number of new infections with the closure of some Corona wards in hospitals in the country’s center. This is cause for cautious optimism amid the despair and anxiety still gripping many parts of the world. Our ultimate hope is not in vaccination against the Coronavirus. However, in the redemption we have through the suffering, death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, which we celebrate at this time!

This is the basis of our hope against the darkness of sin and death. If there is one thing that the past year has taught us, it is that we are mortal beings who, despite the great advances of technology and medical science, remain vulnerable and fearful in the face of death. We thank God that this final enemy will also be destroyed by the risen Christ who is alive and reigns until he has put all enemies under his feet. We pray that as we follow the example of his patience and humility, we may also be made partakers of his resurrection!