Friday, April 2, 2010

~Good Friday~

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John 3:16


Good Friday is the day that Christians focus especially on the cross and Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of the world. The cross is a central symbol of the Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus, son of God, died to save all believers from sin, all that separates human beings from God. The cross reminds Christians of Jesus' death and their salvation, how Jesus saved them from death by dying in their place.

Jesus' crucifixion, death on the cross, is the source of eternal life for all who believe according to Christian teaching. Jesus put himself in the place of every believer's sins as he suffered for the whole world by sacrificing his own life.

Atonement, Jesus giving himself for the sins of Christians, saves all Christians from hell and suffering. Good Friday is a time for Christians to remember Jesus' sacrifice and reflect on how the cross has saved them from their sins.

On Good Friday, Christians attend a church service where believers will focus on the cross and Jesus' suffering there with prayers, reflection, and ritual.

In some denominations, believers will focus on the last words that the Bible, or Holy Scripture, records Jesus to have said.

In others, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, believers will revere the cross, a ritual called the Adoration of the Cross, where believers literally kiss and bow before a cross, in honor of Jesus. It is truly one of the Catholic rituals that touches me to the core, always bringing me to tears.


Mary.....My heart breaks for you each Easter. I cannot imagine the grief you felt for the Son you bore. (see "A Mother's Grief")

Stop by Sew Gracious to hear, "Worthy Is the Lamb", by Hillsong.

May this day be one of reflection and thanksgiving for all christians throughout the world.

Stop by Beki's blog to read more FingerPrints of God.

7 comments:

Lindsay Thomas said...

Amen! Heaven can be ours because of HIS sacrifice! Thank you LORD!

Rosebud Collection said...

So many times we are busy doing things, but when Good Friday comes..it really hits you how much Jesus did for us. It is like a "wake up" call..
Happy Easter and Fingerprint Friday.

Sew Gracious said...

I am overwhelmed by the sacrifice made for me and for all sinners and give thanks for the grace He brought. Now that I am a mother, I too think about Mary and how she loved Him. Thank you for a beautiful fingerprint and for sharing the link to A Mother's Grief. Easter Blessings!

Marci said...

Beautifully written, Carol. As a believer, it tears my heart to imagine what happened on Good Friday almost 2,000 years ago ... no greater love! Happy Easter! He is risen!

Vicki said...

Each stripe, each drop of blood, each nail pounded into flesh, a broken body, given for my sin. How hard for us to understand that love. No greater love has there ever been or will there ever be. Thank you my King that you would die for me.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, so beautiful!!! And I'm so grateful that He made that sacrifice for me!!!! And yes, when I think of Mary, I cry for the heartbreak she must have felt...and am glad that she now has such great joy! Love Hillsong...Love John 3:16 (put it with my post for tomorrow, too!) Love you!!! Janine XOXOXO

P.S. Just found your comment on food today...and what a fortunate fellow your husband is!!!! You must be a fabulous chef!!!! XO

Lynne Bolar Clark said...

Carol, the photo in this posting just stopped me dead in my tracks.