British troops under General Wellington fought Napoleon on June 18, 1815 at the Battle of Waterloo, a village in Belgium just south of Brussels. News was transmitted by the use of lights across the channel to the anxious British. The words were spelled out, "Wellington defeated—" and then a fog, so typical of England, fell over the channel. England thought the battle was lost and the dreadful news was spread quickly, throwing the land into despair. But when the fog lifted they could see the final word, "Wellington defeated Napoleon." And the mood in Great Britain changed from one of tragedy to triumph. The whole country exploded in thunderous celebration as the news was relayed. Napoleon had been defeated.

Imagine winning a victory and not even knowing it. But that’s what happened when Jesus resurrected. His followers thought he had been vanquished. But in reality, Christ had pulled off the most astonishing victory of all time. It is possible to be a winner and still live as if you are a loser. When Jesus died on the cross, his followers received only part of the message: "Jesus defeated—." That is enough to put any hopeful person into severe depression. But after the fog lifted the full message came into clear view, "Jesus defeated Satan." He has won, and we win with Him.

Through His resurrection, Jesus did something for His followers in every age. He has turned our sorrow into joy, our helplessness into hopefulness. He can do the same for you. Because He is alive today, still coming to people with broken relationships, shattered dreams, unfulfilled aspirations, giving them a new beginning. Jesus is the Lord of new beginnings. If you have seen the worst, then start looking for the best, because when there's been death, resurrection is just around the corner.

This Sunday we celebrate the resurrection. Join us at the Kiwanis Park pavilion at 7:00 a.m. for our Easter Sunrise service, with our main service following at the church building at 9:00 a.m.