Sunrise Service

What better way to begin our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus than to stand outside on a wooded hillside and watch the sun rise! At temperatures struggling to hit 23 degrees we had to make sure the kids (and us!) were very warm. :) Even though it is difficult to get out of bed while it is still dark and get a family ready to go, I honestly can't imagine starting Easter morning any differently. There is something about being outside on a beautiful morning while hearing the story of the women going to Jesus' tomb and then finding it empty. My dad always sounds so excited when he repeats the angels' message that "He is not here. He is risen!". We sang some beautiful Resurrection songs at the Sunday morning service-some that even brought tears to my eyes. But that didn't compare to the thrill of singing "Up From the Grave He Arose" up on that hill at 6:30 am in fleece pants and a sweatshirt!
After the service, we went back to church for warm drinks and a hot breakfast. What a beautiful morning......