Easter Message 2026
“We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, so we might no longer be enslaved to sin” (Romans 6:6).
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, across nations, cultures, and languages,
Greetings from the country within a multi-religious society, where Lent is only followed by mainline churches. In Nepal, we celebrate Easter by going to a rally where all Christians come together, whether denominational or non-denominational, announcing Christ’s resurrection to all. We prepare ourselves in the light of Easter, the celebration of life conquering death, hope overcoming despair, and grace triumphing over sin. This glorious truth from Romans leads us to reflect that Easter is not only about what happened to Jesus, but about the changes that come within us.
As the apostle Paul declares, “our “old self was crucified” with Christ. This means that through the crucifixion of Christ on the cross, something profound has already taken place in every believer’s heart. The chains that we were bondage of such as sin, fear, guilt, and brokenness, even though we still feel them, now they no longer have ultimate authority over us. This truth allows us all believers to grow in spiritual maturity. Whether we live in cities or in the countryside, in peace or in conflict, in abundance or in struggle, the truth of no longer being “enslaved to sin” unites us all as Christians.
We should remember that Easter is God’s declaration of freedom for humanity, which is not limited by any geography or culture around the whole world.
But the question remains: what does it mean for us in today’s world?
First, it calls for identity. We are not defined by our past failures because our identity is rooted in Christ through his blood shed for us on the cross, which gives dignity to the poor, hope to the oppressed, and purpose to the lost.
Second, it calls for transformation. With Christ crucified, our old self is also crucified, and we are invited to live a transformed live. With faith, we choose justice over injustice, love over division in a world which is marked by violence, inequality, and broken relationships.
Third, it calls for unity. The cross and resurrection of Christ broke down the ethnic, social, and cultural barriers, because in him we are one body. Therefore, Easter often reminds us that no matter where we come from, we are under the same grace and the same hope.
And lastly, it calls for hope. Even if we face suffering or loss, we should remember that death did not have its final word. Instead, Christ’s resurrection assures us that God is still at work.
So, this Easter, let us celebrate the freedom that is already given and the continuous maturity in the journey of living as his loved ones. Let us not only celebrate an event, instead let us embrace the reality of new life in God, leaving behind our old self.
Because our Christ is risen!
By Rev. Rinki Rachel Soren, a youth member of the LWF Council. In 2025, Soren became the first ordained woman pastor of the Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church.
