HomeMy WebLinkAboutX2023-006-0217A 3
21
RING OUT, SWEET EASTER BELLS
Friends,
This is,your invitation to attend
divine worship this Easter Sunday, the most
thrilling day in all the year.
Last July we passed.through the lovely town
of Fedrich on the river Ill, just inside the
borders of Austria. It was here that a dramatic
event took place on Easter Sunday in 1799. The
sun shone brightly on Feldrich.It shone brightly,
too, on the glittering weapons of the French
army that suddenly appeared,on the surrounding
hills. The whole town was thrown into a state.
of great fear and dismay. Blut in one of the:
churches an elder stood up as serene as the;
morning. There was; no fear in his heart.
"This is Easter", he said, "so let us ring our
church bells and leave our troubles in the
hands of God. Our own strength is but weakness"
Soon from every spire: in Feldrich the Easter
bells pealed forth the good news, " Christ has
risen, indeed,'. The French general, Massena:,
listened'.to the sound of rejoicing and,
concluded - that the Austrian army had arrived'.
by night. He gave orders to retreat. Before
the Easter services were over there was not
a French soldier and not a glittering bayonet
to be seen on the heights above.Feldrich.
7n this world there is much to weigh
us down, to depress us -and undermine our
confidence. But he who hears and understands
the sweet music: of the Easter Bells will
fear no evil. The Easter Bells are saying
that simply nothing can efface us from the
heart of God's love. Eternal love stands at
the heart of life. Eternal love stands also
at the heart of death. Ring out the good
news, sweet Easter Bells.
Your offering is for our missionary
work.
Best wishes,
A. E. Cresswell