He is Risen

The day began very early this morning. Before the sun was up. It is resurrection day. A day to remember, a day to rejoice. The crew gathered early on the top deck of the ship. As the sun slowly rose, filtered through grey blue clouds, a chorus of voices lifted up, to our Savior and King. Some were dressed in the Sunday best, some still groggy from sleep, appeared in their pajamas. Everyone with the same desire. To worship our Risen King. 2000 + years ago, everything changed. As 11 disciples huddled hidden away, wondering what to do next, death was conquered and victory obtained. This is why we gather. This is why we raise our voices and let them drift through the port and drift to the heavens. We join the angels proclaiming that Christ is risen, He is risen indeed. We joined our voices in English, French and Yuruba. We read together the story of the resurrection from all four gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In between we sing, we reflect and we celebrate. A small taste of what is to come. people from different tribes, and different tongues gathered  together worshiping the true King.

The rest of the morning was just as  wonderful. Breakfast was next, filled with yummy croissants, fresh fruit and coffee or tea to your liking. Most of the crew on the ship was present, with the exception of a few who worked so others would not have to. People break off into smaller groups and conversation and laughter can be heard echoing around the middle of the ship.Then we are all off to the next celebration.

We gather again  in  the international lounge. The chaplains have worked to prepare messages for the crew to celebrate this day. We are reminded that the cross at the front of the room, like the tomb back in Jerusalem is empty. He is not here, He is  Risen. The words have been heard time and time again this morning. That we can walk and live in victory. I am undone by the picture of what he has done for me. How he reached down in to the pit where I lived, covered in mud and lost in darkness. How even there the depth of His love could find me and save me. How he lifted me up, covered me in His blood, and lifted my arms in victory. His sacrifice was ENOUGH. It is FINISHED. There is more singing and then we take communion together. It is so sweet. To think of how we are all bound together, around the room and around the word by One Man/One God. I think of my friends in Uganda, and America, Germany, Nicaragua, Honduras and New Zealand. Too many others to list, but everywhere today, we take communion together bound by the sacrifice made for each of us and all of us.

Down below decks, deep in the ship, the celebration continues. As I was walking in the hallway, the sound of singing and drums drifts up to the 5th deck. Down in the hospital the patients and staff that are working are also praising the King.  Even there, in the midst of illness and recovery the message of healing and wholeness is being proclaimed. There is joy and celebration even there this morning.

One of the best parts of the day was at the end of the second service. Somewhere around 20-25 people, one representing every language spoken by the crew today, was called to the front. One by one, each of them in their native tongue said "Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed". It was such a neat moment to hear them go down the line, each proclaiming the Glory and truth of the gospel in their own language, even now I have goosebumps thinking of it.

All of this was followed by the most amazing family meal. The food services staff has clearly been working for days preparing for this meal. There was roast lamb, and turkey, vegetables and salads, anti pasta, and cheeses from I don't know where. Ornate baskets carved from watermelons filled with fruit and decadent deserts satisfy the sweetest sweet tooth. I hope to post some photos of it all later.

It has been one of the best Resurrection days I have ever celebrated . There has been so much joy, laughter and worship. I really wish there was a way for you all to know and experience it. But then one day we will if we choose too.  We are all offered to one day sit down to an even greater banquet. A banquet with the King himself. Today was just a shadow of what is to come, but what a lovely glimpse it has been.