Though rain, wind and a lingering chill in the air may have us searching for some sunshine, the event many of us celebrate on Sunday reminds us — the Light is coming.

For those Christians who observe Easter this weekend, it is truly the most joyous date on the church calendar. One that celebrates renewal, hope and kept promises.

It is a day on which we remember that even when the government and religious establishment go to the most extreme of measures to crush hope and to silence a message of love for God and love for one another, compassion, treating others as we would want to be treated, judging not lest we be judged and inviting EVERYONE to the table, they cannot triumph.

It is “death swallowed up in victory.”

Easter is a day for rebirth, renewal — and faith.

Even for non-Christians, the day is a turning point — hope truly does spring eternal, as the earth bursts back to life and winter is left behind.

Whatever your reason for celebrating this Easter, remember, we are to be filled with joy.

There may be church services, family dinners, candy and egg hunts — there must also be hope, joy and a reminder that we are meant to rise.

Celebrate that, this Easter, ladies and gentlemen. Celebrate all that the events of that first Easter were meant to confirm for us. Hallelujah!

“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.”

• Helen Keller

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'”

• Matthew 28:5-6