Read Revelation 21:1-5
It was a dark, rainy, chilly day—dreary would be a better way to describe it. The end of September 1985 found us in what was then East Berlin. Our three week tour of Germany was quickly drawing to a close with East Germany and East Berlin the final stops. Hours earlier we had received a military briefing at “Checkpoint Charlie” and made our way through the only passage that united East and West Berlin. The stark grayness of the buildings and the surly attitude of the police did nothing to enhance the dreariness of the day. So there we were: tired, cold, and wet, and in a gloomy place. Upon chance we entered the main Lutheran Cathedral in the center of the city. Having suffered severe damage during World War II, the Soviets saw little need to assist in its rebuilding. Much of the main sanctuary contained metal supports against the walls, and scaffolding stood where pews once were. We made our way to a little chapel just off the sanctuary and sat. We were alone; seemingly God himself had abandoned this sacred space. But that all changed quickly. Someone had ascended to the grand organ and began to play Beethoven’s Ode to Joy: Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.
On that day and in that space, I discovered that God indeed continues to make all things new. There, doubt was driven away, sadness turned to immortal gladness, and the light of God’s amazing presence renewed my spirit. No one could have imagined that in a few years, the division between East and West would be torn down and newness and freedom would come to all the peoples of Germany. But on that day and in that space, I discovered the renewing power of God who is still with us and will always be, and that, as Paul says in Romans 8, “nothing can separate from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The old does pass away; indeed, in our loving God, who continues to surprise us, the new always comes.
Prayer: O God, who makes all things new, continue to renew your Spirit within our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Concern: those who do not feel a sense of renewal this Easter.
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