The story of Easter has a great tradition in Australia.

Traditions like chocolate, camping and sometimes a good football game!

These are simple traditions that bring a lot of joy to many families.

But the deeper meaning behind this weekend is a beautiful act of a person dealing with ugly realities.

This Easter many issues are on the surface in our society.

Ugly issues like domestic violence, terrorism, displaced people, poverty, abuse, corruption, substance addiction, gambling and family breakdown.

The story of Easter reveals grace, hope and forgiveness in the midst of these issues.

Jesus willingly chose to go to a cross in the midst of persecution, vilification and abuse.

Jesus said “for this purpose I was born”.

The purpose of making a way for people to be forgiven and find hope in the reality of our lives. 

I trust that your would find rest for your soul this Easter through the person of Jesus.

May you find joy in the simple traditions of family and friends.

May you also find hope through Jesus in how he deals with the realities of our decisions. Come as you are to Jesus and his love will transform you.

- Pastor Geerling is from New Life Chapel, based at De Kerilleau Drive, Wodonga. The church offers weekly services and Friday night youth program called High Life. 

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High Life is for high schoolers; the church's regular Sunday services are at 10am and 5pm, with a full kids program and free coffee beforehand.

The church offers ministries for children (plus high schoolers), pastoral care, young adults and creative teams.

New Life Chapel invites everyone in the community to its Easter weekend services, to be held at Albury Entertainment Centre on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, at 10am.

Following the service on both days there will be hot cross buns and an Easter egg hunt for families at QEII Square.