St John's gospel is very much a 'touchy-feely' - and smelly account. Years afterwards, the costly fragrance of myrrh and aloes, filling Jesus' tomb, would wake poignant memories among his followers.

YOUR KINGDOM COME; YOUR WILL BE DONE
(The early Christians think back to Calvary)

"Your kingdom come; Your will be done."
When things are going badly
I'm in the tomb again,
Standing around the dead Messiah,
Our grief already numbed by the scent of the spices.
Dead!
The coming king, dead!
Son of David,
Hope of Israel,
Dead!
Kingship now just a fragrance in the gloom.

We hurried away
To be home before nightfall
To feast on Passover lamb and bitter herbs.

That's all over now,
Each year, the new Passover needs no new lamb:
It really is finished:
The Messiah-king, sacrificed forever,
Pours out His spirit on all mankind;
Spirit of love and service,
Joy and Peace and sacrifice complete.

His kingdom is coming.

HAPPY EASTER everyone, especially: happy Resurrection to all IT geeks, especially mine, so that I can load files again! For more of the Easter story, and stained glass images, look back at last spring's posts.