Christ’s light will always triumph over “trials and tribulations,” President Trump said in an Easter message that also commended Americans for displaying the “core tenets of Christianity” during the coronavirus pandemic.
The White House released the statement over Easter weekend.
“No matter the circumstances, we will always celebrate Easter as a time of rejuvenation, rebirth, and a renewed sense of purpose and faith,” Trump said. “The coronavirus will not stop Easter. Even in the darkest hours, God’s abundant love and mercy are unwavering.
“The light of Christ will always triumph over the trials and tribulations we face because He has defeated death. Today, let us take a little extra time to pray for the strength of our country and our people, and ask that God hold all Americans in the palm of His hand. Together, let us rejoice in knowing that Christ has risen.”
The statement acknowledged this year’s Easter observance came “during a somber time for our Nation” but said Americans have displayed many works of compassion.
“Throughout this difficult period, we have witnessed the core tenets of Christianity – love, compassion, and kindness – reflected in the many acts of courage, generosity, and caring of the American people,” Trump said. “Our country’s citizens have taken to heart the words of 1 Peter 4:10: ‘Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.’
“Countless Americans have selflessly answered the calls for help in their communities and have performed extraordinary acts to help their neighbors in times of need. Healthcare workers and medical professionals have worked tirelessly to heal the sick, and thousands of volunteers, first responders, critical workers, and businesses have contributed their time and resources to help defeat this virus.”
It wasn’t the only Easter message from Trump. On Friday, he appeared in the Oval Office alongside Bishop Harry Jackson to deliver an “Easter Blessing.”
“On this Good Friday, Christians from all around the world remember the suffering and death upon the cross of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Trump said. “At Easter Sunday, we will celebrate his glorious resurrection.”
Below is the full text of President Trump’s “Presidential Message on Easter,” released Saturday:
“Melania and I join millions of Christians celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life this Easter. Although this year’s observance of Easter comes during a somber time for our Nation, we hope all of you are filled with the joy, love, and hope that marks this holiest of days.
“As our Nation has faced the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus during the past few weeks, we have turned to God for guidance, comfort, and hope. Throughout this difficult period, we have witnessed the core tenets of Christianity – love, compassion, and kindness – reflected in the many acts of courage, generosity, and caring of the American people. Our country’s citizens have taken to heart the words of 1 Peter 4:10: ‘Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.’ Countless Americans have selflessly answered the calls for help in their communities and have performed extraordinary acts to help their neighbors in times of need. Healthcare workers and medical professionals have worked tirelessly to heal the sick, and thousands of volunteers, first responders, critical workers, and businesses have contributed their time and resources to help defeat this virus.
“No matter the circumstances, we will always celebrate Easter as a time of rejuvenation, rebirth, and a renewed sense of purpose and faith. The coronavirus will not stop Easter. Even in the darkest hours, God’s abundant love and mercy are unwavering. The light of Christ will always triumph over the trials and tribulations we face because He has defeated death. Today, let us take a little extra time to pray for the strength of our country and our people, and ask that God hold all Americans in the palm of His hand. Together, let us rejoice in knowing that Christ has risen.
“We send our best wishes for a blessed and joyous Easter.”
Related:
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Pence Urges Churches of 10 or More to Stop Meeting in Fight against COVID-19
Church Pools Chick-fil-A Points, Donates 460 Sandwiches to Hospital Workers
34 Coronavirus Cases Linked to One Arkansas Church – ‘Take it Very Seriously,’ Pastor Pleads
Trump, Pence Thank Churches for Suspending Services: Americans ‘Are Coming Together’
Photo courtesy: White House Flickr/Public Domain
Video courtesy: The White House
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, The Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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