President Obama devoted his weekly address to extolling the message of God’s redemption found in the Christian celebration of Easter and the Jewish Passover holiday.
Instead of shying away from explicit Christian phrases and beliefs, Mr. Obama embraced them in his remarks, specifically mentioning Jesus’ resurrection several times. The address was also notable for the absence of any political rhetoric or policy agendas, which usually fill the scripted weekly radio appearances.
“For millions of Americans, this weekend is a time to celebrate redemption at God’s hand,” Mr. Obama said. “Tonight, Jews will gather for a second Seder, where they will retell the story of Exodus. And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the word as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of his son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning.”
For countless Christians as well as himself, Mr. Obama said Easter is a time to “reflect and rejoice.”
“Yesterday, many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us,” he said. “Tomorrow, we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.”
Through the Easter celebration, Christians recommit themselves to following his example, Mr. Obama said.
“We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness and to loving our neighbors. We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God,” he said.
The president concluded the address by wishing Christians a happy Easter and all Americans a weekend “filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most.”
• Susan Crabtree can be reached at scrabtree@washingtontimes.com.
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