The Gift of The Written Word

I’ve been thinking about our upcoming Easter celebrations. We’ll host our 4^th annual Seder Meal, The Cup, that Thursday night. Then we’ll worship on Sunday morning. Perhaps afterward we’ll enjoy a big family lunch, hide eggs, eat chocolate bunnies… all activities I enjoy.

One of my personal 2026 commitments is to keep assessing simplicity and impact – continually asking “Could I simplify input AND improve impact?” – in everything I do. So, I’ve sought to apply this thinking to Easter.

God offers the most profound Easter impact through the gift of his written word. It’s through his written word that we receive his promises, encouragement, hope, acceptance, grace, and love. The music, flowers, and messages have little meaning apart from his written word. It forms the foundation upon which all other interactions with him are built.

What if each of us used our own written word to offer encouragement, hope, acceptance, grace or love to someone in need?

I don’t mean an email, text, or social media post. I mean writing a simple handwritten note to someone in need this Easter. When’s the last time you received an uplifting handwritten note? How much did it mean to you?

Who knows, perhaps we’ll raise the emotionally or spiritually dead this Easter.

• Write a brief note of encouragement to a friend or couple and invite them to church and lunch.

• Write your child or grandchild and tell him about the potential you see within him.

• Write someone who has lost a family member this year and invite them to share a meal.

• Write a note of hope and encouragement to someone struggling with depression or anxiety.

• Tell your spouse in writing that he/she is chosen and loved every single day.

• Write a note of encouragement and gratitude to your pastor to deliver before or after the Easter services.

• Write a note sharing empathy and encouragement to young parents struggling through a hard season (perhaps offer to help).

• Write yourself a list of things for which you’re grateful - to pull yourself from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.

By all means, include Scripture in your note. For his Word never returns empty.

I’m guessing that just one of these simple gestures could significantly improve your personal impact this Easter. What better way to say, “Thank you Jesus!”?

Thanks for Reading,

John

p.s.

I’d love to hear how it goes. Did you get a response? Did you make a positive impact this Easter? Maybe we’ll start a new Easter tradition!

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