Priests in black gowns were doing their rounds and binding with briars my joys and desires

When I talk to some of my non Christian friends about the church a depressing picture emerges as to how it is seen by those living beyond its walls.Solemn , joyless, austere , rigid .Like being at school are all descriptions I’ve heard used over the years. But why? The Christian message as portrayed in the gospels is all about love,joy, peace and a God who cares not a gloomy divine school master but a liberator a source of light that drives away darkness and sorrow.So much of what we see and hear in church seems a conspiracy to extinguish this spark.

Jesus first miracle was at a wedding turning water into wine. What is a wedding festival if not a massive celebration of all the best that is both in the divine and in the flesh. Indeed it is itself a marriage of the two. The couple take their vows before God the love that they share is a direct reflection of the love that Christ refers to time and again in his teachings as the ‘true nature of God’. Yet it is also a celebration of the physical sex,dancing and singing are all a part of a wedding festival indeed Christ’s action in turning the water into wine kept the party going! Of course there is a deeper level to this miracle. Faith is like wine it matures and improves over time it is many layered and nuanced . Marriage itself is a mirror of the true nature of God and proof that we can even during our time on earth share in the gift of love. But the fact remains that it also includes very physical pleasures which I believe are a clear sign that if they are used properly to good effect are a blessing not something to be avoided or shameful.

Easter is alongside Christmas the most joyous event in the Christian calendar . It represents the triumph of hope and light the resurrection is proof of the depth of his love. He gave his son so we might enjoy everlasting life. So this Easter let the world see Christians thanking God for his abundant grace and also for our earthly gifts with laughter,joy and happiness.